06/26/2025
It’s a question I hear often, and a great one. While the exact mechanism of action isn’t fully understood (which is also true for many treatments in Western medicine), what we do know is that acupuncture works by activating the body’s natural healing processes.
The needles used are very thin, about the size of a strand of hair, and so light that they’ll move with a breath of air. Once placed, each person experiences the sensation of qi (your body’s vital energy) differently. This is the stimulation of the energy that moves your blood, makes your organs function, protects you from illnesses, and repairs your injuries.
You might feel a gentle ache, a warm or tingling sensation, or sometimes nothing at all. What we don’t want is a sharp, burning, or “zingy” feeling like hitting your funny bone. If that happens, just let your practitioner know so they can adjust the needle.
Acupuncture creates a small, intentional microtrauma at the point of insertion, which signals your body to send fresh blood and qi to the area. This circulation is key. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we say "circulation is life." Where there is stagnation of qi or blood, there is pain or dysfunction. Our goal is simple: move qi and blood to restore balance and support healing.
While that’s the foundation, there’s a whole world of wisdom behind it, thousands of years and books' worth. But the essence? Tiny needles, big impact.
Curious if acupuncture could help you? Whether you're dealing with pain, stress, or just looking to support your overall wellness, acupuncture offers a gentle yet powerful path to healing.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Book a session or DM us with your questions, I’d love to chat about how acupuncture can support YOU!