Acupuncture

Often thought of as a mysterious healing art or even the latest fad, acupuncture is truly a long-established therapeutic technique that has helped millions of people around the world.

Related Terms:

  • Acupressure (a blend of “acupuncture” and “pressure”) uses physical pressure applied to acupuncture points by the fingers, hand, elbow or with various devices as an alternative to using needles.
  • Auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture) is a form of acupuncture developed in France which is based on the reflexological representation of the entire body in the outer ear.
  • Cosmetic Acupuncture is the use of acupuncture in an attempt to reduce wrinkles on the face.

  • Since this was my first time getting treated with acupuncture, Dr. Yeager informed me the needle would feel no more than a mosquito bite. And he was right! The needle did not hurt at all. After the six-week treatment, the dullness in my lower back has disappeared. During the treatment, Dr. Yeager even relieved a minor shoulder ache in just one session. I highly recommend acupuncture for everyone.

    Author image
    • F.Y.

  • Initially I went to another chiropractic after I was injured in a car accident. I went consistently for two months, but I didn't get well. I started acupuncture treatments three times a week. After six weeks I felt about 75% better. Then she added cold laser therapy, and for the first time since the accident I noticed no pain in my neck!

    Author image
    • V.Z.

Frequent Questions about Acupuncture

  • Acupuncture originated in China more than 2000 years ago.
  • The most common mechanism of acupuncture employs penetration of the skin by thin metal needles, which are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation.
  • During an acupuncture session the skin area being needled is sterilized, e.g. with alcohol, and the needles are inserted, frequently with a plastic guide tube.
  • Needles may be manipulated in various ways, e.g. spun, flicked or moved up and down relative to the skin.
  • Since most pain is felt in the superficial layers of the skin, a quick insertion of the needle is recommended.
  • The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that bodily functions are regulated by an energy called "qi" which flows through the body in pathways called meridians; disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for dysfunction and disease.
  • Acupuncture describes a family of procedures aiming to correct imbalances in the flow of "qi" by stimulation of anatomical locations on or under the skin (usually called acupuncture points or acupoints), by a variety of techniques.
  • Both peer-reviewed medical journals and acupuncture journals reviewed by acupuncturists stated that acupuncture can be painful.
  • The size of the needles being used can be a factor in the amount of pain felt during treatments.
  • The skill level of the acupuncturist may influence how painful the needle insertion is, and a sufficiently skilled practitioner may be able to insert the needles without causing any pain.
  • There is general agreement that acupuncture is relatively safe when administered by qualified practitioners using sterile needles and carries a very low risk of serious adverse effects.
  • The majority of adverse events from acupuncture are minor and are estimated to occur in approximately 7% to 12% of treatments.
  • The ones most commonly reported occur at the site of needle insertion: minor bleeding, hematoma (bruising) and pain from needling.
  • Dizziness and fatigue are reported after some treatments.

Acupuncture's use for certain conditions has been endorsed by the United States National Institutes of Health, the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, the World Health Organization and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.  In recent years, scientific inquiry has begun to shed more light on acupuncture's possible mechanisms and potential benefits, especially in helping with low back pain, headaches, arthritis, and many other issues.  Dr. Yeager, Dr. Long and Dr. Chotiratkul are all certified through the Texas Chiropracitc Board of Examiners in acupuncture.