What Is Acupuncture? A Plain-Language Guide

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine still practiced today, yet many people have never experienced it and are not quite sure what it involves. If you have been curious but hesitant — maybe you are nervous about needles, or you simply want to understand what you are getting into before you book an appointment — this guide is written for you.

What Acupuncture Is

Acupuncture is a system of medicine that involves the careful insertion of very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. The needles are typically left in place for 20 to 40 minutes while you rest comfortably on a treatment table.

The practice originated in China more than 2,000 years ago and has been continuously developed, refined, and studied ever since. Today it is used by licensed physicians and practitioners around the world to treat pain, support recovery from injury and illness, and address a wide range of chronic conditions.

In Florida, acupuncture is practiced by Acupuncture Physicians (AP) — a licensed physician designation that reflects a full scope of practice under state law. An AP in Florida has completed a graduate-level medical education with training in biomedical sciences, diagnosis, clinical medicine, and acupuncture practice.

How Acupuncture Works: Two Ways of Looking at It

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health depends on the smooth and balanced flow of a vital energy called Qi (pronounced "chee") through a network of pathways in the body called meridians. When this flow becomes blocked, disrupted, or imbalanced — due to injury, stress, poor diet, emotional strain, or environmental factors — symptoms appear.

Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians where a skilled practitioner can influence the flow of Qi. By stimulating these points with needles, the goal is to restore balance, encourage the body's own healing processes, and address the root cause of the patient's condition rather than just managing symptoms on the surface.

The Western Neuroscience Perspective

Modern research has provided a different but complementary explanation for why acupuncture produces the effects it does.

Endorphin release. When acupuncture needles stimulate nerve endings in the skin and underlying tissue, the nervous system responds by releasing endorphins and other natural pain-relieving compounds. Studies have confirmed measurable increases in endorphin activity following acupuncture treatment.

Nervous system modulation. Acupuncture has been shown to influence both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It can reduce the sensitivity of pain signals traveling through the spinal cord, shift the body out of a chronic stress state, and promote the kind of parasympathetic nervous system activity associated with rest, recovery, and healing.

Connective tissue and fascia. Research has shown that acupuncture needles mechanically stimulate the connective tissue — the web of fascia that runs throughout the body. This stimulation produces a measurable cellular response and may help explain changes in tissue flexibility, circulation, and localized pain sensitivity.

Inflammation regulation. Some studies have found that acupuncture can reduce inflammatory markers at both local and systemic levels, which is relevant for conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, and other pain states driven by chronic inflammation.

What a First Acupuncture Session Looks Like

Before You Arrive

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be rolled up above the elbows and knees. Eat something beforehand — receiving acupuncture on an empty stomach can occasionally cause lightheadedness. Avoid alcohol on the day of your appointment.

The Initial Consultation

Your first appointment begins with a thorough health history intake. Your provider will ask about your current concerns, your health history, your lifestyle, sleep, digestion, stress levels, and more. This is a systematic assessment designed to understand not just your symptoms but the patterns that underlie them.

The Treatment Itself

Once the assessment is complete, you will lie on a comfortable treatment table. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin — much finer than a hypodermic needle — and most patients report feeling little or nothing during insertion. Some points produce a mild, dull ache or a sense of heaviness or warmth called De Qi in Chinese medicine. Most patients find the experience deeply relaxing — many fall asleep on the table.

After Your Session

Drink water, rest if you can, and avoid strenuous physical activity for the remainder of the day. Acupuncture generally works best as a course of treatment rather than a single session, and your provider will recommend a plan based on your specific condition and goals.

Which Conditions Does Acupuncture Help Most?

Pain Conditions

Acupuncture has well-established evidence for chronic and acute pain conditions, including:

• Chronic low back pain — named a first-line treatment by the American College of Physicians
• Neck pain and cervical tension
• Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and hand
• Headaches and migraines — multiple systematic reviews support acupuncture for prevention
• Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff conditions
• Fibromyalgia
• Sciatica and radiating nerve pain
• Sports injuries and overuse conditions

Other Conditions

Research also supports acupuncture as a useful component of care for insomnia, anxiety, nausea, menopausal symptoms, and digestive disorders. Visit our conditions page to learn more about specific diagnoses we address.

What the Research Says

A landmark systematic review published in the Journal of Pain analyzed data from nearly 18,000 patients across multiple randomized controlled trials. The authors concluded that acupuncture is effective for chronic pain and that its effects are maintained over time.

The American College of Physicians, in its 2017 clinical practice guideline on low back pain, named acupuncture as a recommended non-drug, non-surgical first-line option — placing it alongside heat therapy and exercise as preferred approaches before reaching for medication.

Why Your Provider's Credentials Matter

Dr. Kitt holds a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) from Five Branches University — consistently recognized as one of the top acupuncture programs in the country. She also holds the Diplomat of Oriental Medicine (Dipl. OM) from NCCAOM, requiring passage of all four national board examinations. Most board-certified acupuncture physicians pass one or two of these boards — passing all four is uncommon.

AcuMed Clinic also has a PA on staff and a collaborating MD, which allows us to coordinate effectively with conventional medicine and serve patients insured through Medicare and VA Community Care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable acupuncture is. The needles are very fine — far thinner than injection needles — and insertion is usually painless or produces only a brief, mild sensation. If you experience any discomfort during your session, let your practitioner know immediately.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on your condition, how long you have had it, and how your body responds. For acute problems, a few sessions may be enough. For chronic conditions, a longer course is usually recommended — typically once or twice a week initially, then tapering as you improve.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan. Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain — up to 20 visits per year. Many commercial insurance plans also cover acupuncture for specific diagnoses. VA Community Care beneficiaries may also be eligible. AcuMed accepts Medicare, commercial insurance, and VA Community Care.

Can I get acupuncture if I take blood thinners or other medications?

In most cases, yes — but your provider needs to know your complete medication list before treatment. The intake process at AcuMed Clinic is thorough precisely so we can provide safe, individualized care from the start.

Can acupuncture be used alongside conventional medical treatment?

Yes. Acupuncture is well-suited to integrative care — meaning it works well alongside conventional treatments, not instead of them. Our clinical team includes a PA and a collaborating MD specifically so we can coordinate care across disciplines when that serves the patient best.

AcuMed Clinic is opening soon in Sarasota. [Become a Founding Patient](/founding-patient) to book in advance.

Learn more about our acupuncture services, explore conditions we treat, or read more on our blog.