What is Acupuncture & What Does it Treat?

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

Here is a list of a few health concerns that acupuncture has been effective in treating:

• Anxiety

• Arthritis

• Asthma

• Addiction - alcohol, smoking, drugs

• Back pain

• Bell’s palsy/facial paralysis

• Bronchitis

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Chronic fatigue

• Colitis

• Common cold

• Constipation

• Dental pain

• Depression

• Diarrhea

• Digestive trouble

• Dizziness

• Neck Pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Pneumonia

• Reproductive problems

• Rhinitis

• Sciatica

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

• Shoulder pain

• Sinusitis

• Sleep disturbances/insomnia

• Smoking cessation

• Sore throat

• Stress

• Tennis elbow

• Tonsillitis

• Tooth pain

• Trigeminal neuralgia

• Dysentery

• Emotional problems

• Eye problems

• Fatigue

• Fertility

• Fibromyalgia

• Gingivitis

• Headache

• Hiccup

• Incontinence

• Indigestion

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Menopause

• Menstrual irregularities

• Migraines

• Morning sickness

• Nausea

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that continues to gain popularity in the United States for its effectiveness and holistic approach. Traditional Chinese Medicine defines acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force, known as “Qi” that flows through specific pathways or “Meridians” in your body.

By inserting ultra-fine needles at precise points along these meridians, a licensed acupuncturist can help manipulate the energy flow to restore, bring balance, support the body’s natural healing processes, and relieve a wide range of health concerns.

Acupuncture is a science-backed medicine that's been practiced for over 5000 years and has helped billions of people. With no side effects or harm to the body, it’s been shown to alleviate and help treat common health issues from migraines to pelvic pain to irritable bowel to infertility. The intent of acupuncture is to bring the body back into a state of homeostasis and ignite the body’s innate ability to heal. It’s also a powerful tool for preventative medicine.

Did you know?

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to help reduce pain. In fact, in China acupuncture has been successfully used in place of anesthesia during surgery!

Acupuncture has been practiced for over 5,000 years and is now backed by modern science. Clinical studies show that acupuncture can help improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, strengthen immune function, and relieve pain by stimulating the release of the body’s natural painkillers.

During a typical treatment, hair-thin, sterile, single-use needles are inserted at specific acupuncture points. This gentle stimulation has a calming effect on both the central and peripheral nervous systems, helping to reduce stress and restore the body to a state of homeostasis.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of acupuncture treatments depends on your specific health condition, its severity, and duration. Acute issues, like recent injuries or discomfort, may require only 1–3 treatments. However, most chronic conditions, such as chronic pain or stress, typically improve with 5–10 acupuncture treatments. More complex or degenerative conditions might need additional care.

Do Acupuncture Needles Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very different from the hypodermic needles used for injections in Western medicine. They are ultra-fine, flexible, and about the width of a human hair—up to 10 acupuncture needles could fit inside one hypodermic needle. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during insertion. Once the needles are in place, you might notice a mild tingling, warmth, or slight dull ache, often accompanied by a sense of calm and relaxation. These sensations are normal and indicate the treatment is working to support your body’s natural healing.

What Education Does an Acupuncturist Receive?

In the U.S., acupuncturists complete a rigorous four-year master’s degree in Oriental Medicine, which includes in-depth training in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and related therapies. This comprehensive program ensures practitioners are skilled in providing safe, effective care. Many acupuncturists also earn national certification through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). In Idaho, the Idaho State Board of Acupuncture oversees licensing, requiring acupuncturists to renew their licenses annually and complete ongoing continuing education to stay current with best practices. This ensures you receive care from highly qualified professionals dedicated to your health.

Preparing for Your Acupuncture Treatment

• Eat a Light Meal: Have a light snack or meal 30 minutes to 2 hours before your appointment. This helps your body respond more effectively to the treatment by avoiding an empty stomach.

• Avoid Tongue Brushing: Please skip brushing your tongue on the morning of your visit, as tongue observation helps our acupuncturists assess your health.

• Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose loose, comfortable clothing to allow easy access to treatment areas and help you relax.

• Complete Your Paperwork: Fill out the intake forms sent to your email before your first appointment to save time and ensure a smooth start. These steps help us provide a personalized, effective experience tailored to your needs. We look forward to supporting your wellness journey!
  

What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Treatment at Holistic Healing Acupuncture

• Acupuncture Treatment: You’ll relax on a comfortable massage table while your practitioner gently inserts ultra-fine needles into specific acupuncture points based on your unique diagnosis. We prioritize your comfort with soothing music, supportive pillows, or therapeutic heat as needed. After the needles are placed, you’ll rest for 10–30 minutes, depending on your treatment plan. Most patients feel a deep sense of calm, clarity, or well-being during this time.

• Additional Therapies: If appropriate, your practitioner may use complementary techniques like moxibustion (moxa), cupping, guasha, or gentle bodywork to enhance your treatment. You may also receive a customized herbal formula with clear instructions, along with optional nutritional guidance to support your health.

• Aftercare and Follow-Up: Once the needles are removed, your practitioner will review any herbal prescriptions or educational materials with you and address any remaining questions. We’ll schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your treatment plan progresses smoothly.

To ensure you get the most from your acupuncture session at Holistic Healing Acupuncture, here are a few simple steps to follow:

Initial Assessment: Your licensed acupuncturist will begin with a detailed consultation, reviewing your health history and current symptoms. They’ll check your wrist pulses and observe your tongue, which are key diagnostic tools in Oriental Medicine. Depending on your condition, they may gently palpate your abdomen or perform a musculoskeletal assessment. Your practitioner will explain your tailored acupuncture and herbal medicine plan, including an estimate of how many sessions may help address your health concerns. All your questions will be answered to ensure you feel confident and informed.

Our goal at Holistic Healing Acupuncture is to provide a relaxing and supportive experience that helps you feel your best. We’re here to guide you every step of the way on your wellness journey in Boise, Idaho.

Cupping therapy

Phone: (208) 310-8887