What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a healing art rooted in Classical Chinese Medicine that uses fine, sterile needles placed at specific points along the body’s channel system to encourage the smooth flow of Qi, or vital energy.  When Qi becomes stagnant, depleted, or imbalanced, physical and emotional symptoms may arise.  Acupuncture works to restore harmony within the body, supporting its natural ability to heal, regulate, and maintain balance.

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Classical Chinese Medicine approaches health through a holistic lens, recognizing the deep connection between body, mind, and spirit. Acupuncture is traditionally practiced alongside other branches of Classical Chinese Medicine, including Chinese Herbology, Tuina bodywork, Qigong, and nutritional therapy, all of which aim to cultivate balance, vitality, and overall well-being.

 

How Does Acupuncture Work?

From a modern biomedical perspective, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and influence biochemical processes within the body.  Research suggests that acupuncture may help regulate pain pathways, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, relax the nervous system, and promote the release of natural chemicals that support healing and overall well-being.  While science continues to explore the exact mechanisms behind acupuncture, modern research increasingly supports its effectiveness for a wide variety of conditions.

 

Do Acupuncture Needles Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine—often as thin as a strand of hair—and most people experience little to no discomfort during insertion. Treatments are generally very gentle and relaxing. Some points may create a mild sensation such as heaviness, warmth, tingling, or a brief ache, which is considered a normal response during treatment.  Staying relaxed during your session can help make the experience even more comfortable, as muscle tension may increase sensitivity. It is very common to feel nervous before your first treatment, but many patients are surprised by how calming and comfortable acupuncture actually feels once they experience it.

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Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years and is widely used to support pain relief, stress reduction, wellness, and overall balance.  Acupuncture is considered a very safe treatment when performed by a licensed and properly trained practitioner, as we are at White Lotus Acupuncture.  Single-use, sterile needles are used for each treatment and are properly disposed of after use. Most people experience little to no side effects, though mild soreness, bruising, or temporary fatigue can occasionally occur.  Your treatment is always tailored to your individual needs, comfort level, and health concerns to provide a safe and supportive healing experience.  Acupuncture is safe for all ages and health stages, including pregnant women, and others with specific health states.

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What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?

Each acupuncture session is custom designed for your issues.  Specific acupuncture points are chosen depending on your complaints, medical history, and current physical and mental condition.  Acupuncture treatments may be complemented with other modalities, such as moxibustion or cupping.  Read more about what to expect during your initial session. 

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What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

People experience different sensations once needles are inserted, varying from tingling, dull ache, heaviness and/or radiating sensations.  These are all normal reactions and demonstrate that the Qi is moving within the channels.  Sensations normally alleviate after a few minutes, and people generally experience a deep sense of calm and fall asleep.

 

How Often Do I Need to Come in For Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a cumulative medicine; this means that sessions build upon each other, improving your specific condition with each session.  This is why it is important to maintain regular weekly visits; one session is typically not going to alleviate the ongoing issue that you have had for years.  With acupuncture, consistency is imperative for results, and sometimes you need a little patience.  An average course of acupuncture treatment is 12 to 24 weekly sessions.

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Initially more frequent sessions are suggested, ideally twice per week; these sessions jump start your treatment and healing and are especially effective for patients with chronic issues that have been on-going for some time.  Patients move to weekly sessions once there is some consistent improvement that does not revert between sessions. 

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These treatment frequency strategies are highly recommended, they will improve your condition in a more timely manner.  The overall goal is to decrease the frequency of acupuncture treatment until you reach the maintenance phase of once to twice per month sessions. 

 

How Soon Before I See Results?

As detailed above, frequency and consistency of acupuncture sessions is imperative to achieve optimum results; without regularity, results are slower and less consistent.  Aside from that, the overall length of your treatment depends upon your general health condition and how well you respond to acupuncture.

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Generally, acute conditions recover more quickly, whereas chronic conditions will take longer.  For example, a newly sprained ankle is likely to improve with a shorter course of treatment, opposed to a chronic shoulder issue of many years. Keep in mind that like any medicine, acupuncture takes some time and patience; results vary from person to person.

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Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

Many insurance policies provide acupuncture coverage but insurance policies vary greatly in terms of deductible and percentage of insurance coverage for acupuncture.  Medicare or Medicaid do not cover acupuncture in New Jersey or New York.

 

White Lotus Acupuncture does not accept any health insurance, however we can provide a bill of service which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement per your policy guidelines. Please note that White Lotus Acupuncture cannot and does not guarantee any or all insurance reimbursement.