Dr. Wong is a community acupuncturist at Ann Arbor Community Acupuncture. All naturopathic consultations with Dr. Wong come with a coupon for a free community acupuncture treatment at Ann Arbor Community Acupuncture. For more information about the community acupuncture movement, check out POCA.

Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine used in China for over 2000 years. It utilizes the insertion of very fine, sterile, stainless steel needles into points that access the body’s natural energy flow called “Qi.” It is especially effective for stress, anxiety/depression, insomnia, acute and chronic pain, and acute neurological complaints such as Bell’s Palsy and paraplegia due to stroke. The prognosis of most conditions improves with treatment during early onset of a condition.

Does it hurt?
Acupuncture should not hurt. In fact, you should feel very relaxed during the treatment. It is not surprising to feel immediate relief from pain after the needles are inserted. You may feel a slight pinch with the insertion of the needle and a dull, heavy sensation while the needle is inserted. There is a small chance of bleeding or bruising.

How does it work?
It is not clear what happens physiologically. There are some scientific theories postulating that the needles create a microcurrent in connective tissues, stimulating a literal electrical energy flow. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each specific point has its own distinct function. And points lie along meridians, vessels that carry energy, akin to blood vessels carrying blood. Through this perspective, acupuncture primarily works by regulating energetic and functional imbalances in the body.

How often should I come?
The resolution of symptoms depends upon the individual and their condition severity and prognosis. Typically for functional issues like acute and subacute pain, insomnia, hot flashes, anxiety, and depression, notable improvements and even resolution can be achieved in 6-15 sessions. When you first seek care, it is recommended to get treatments at least once a week and up to daily depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms. After you see improvement, acupuncture treatments can be administered as needed.

Related Acupuncture Treatments
Cupping, Moxa, Gua Sha, and Tui Na are adjunctive treatment modalities that work alongside acupuncture.
Cupping is the use of glass cups and fire suction to bring blood flow to the surface. It is useful for many conditions with muscle pain. There is a risk of bruising after the treatment, which usually lasts 2-3 days. There is also a small chance of burn. It should not be used with bleeding disorders.

Moxa is using the energy from burning the Chinese herb Ai Ye therapeutically. There are different methods of application of this technique. It helps to increase circulation and decrease pain. There is a small risk of burn with this therapy.

Gua Sha and Tui Na are Chinese manual therapies. The former uses a porcelain spoon and the latter uses massage therapy.