Acupuncture.

What it is

Acupuncture places hair-thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body. It comes from traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used to balance the flow of qi, and it has been practiced for thousands of years. In modern terms, needling stimulates nerves, muscle and connective tissue, which changes how the body processes pain and can calm the stress response.

It is one of the most studied complementary therapies, with the best evidence for chronic pain, headaches and nausea. People also use it for stress, sleep, digestion and hormone concerns, and many find it deeply relaxing.

What happens at a visit

1. An intake on your health history and current concerns.
2. A look at your tongue and a check of your pulse, as in Chinese medicine.
3. 5 to 20 sterile, single-use needles at selected points.
4. Little feeling as they go in, often a tiny pinch or nothing at all.
5. Rest for 20 to 30 minutes with the needles in place.
6. Many people feel warmth, tingling or deep relaxation.

Who it is for

• People with chronic pain in the back, neck, joints or head
• People dealing with stress, anxiety or poor sleep
• People with digestive or hormonal concerns
• Anyone who wants drug-free pain care
• People drawn to traditional Chinese medicine

Evidence and safety

Acupuncture is well studied, with thousands of trials. The evidence is strongest for chronic pain, tension headaches, migraine prevention and nausea, and more mixed for other uses. With a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) using sterile, single-use needles, serious side effects are very rare; minor bruising or soreness can happen. Tell your acupuncturist if you are pregnant, take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.

How Gabriel helps

Acupuncture near you

Cities where Gabriel's directory has three or more practices that offer it. Anywhere else, Gabriel searches for you.