Your Acupuncture Questions Answered – A Guide to Healing with Carolina Acupuncture
At Carolina Acupuncture, we’re passionate about helping you find balance and wellness through the time-honored practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Whether you’re new to acupuncture or a returning client, we know you may have questions about how it works and what to expect. Below, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we hear, designed to guide you to health and harmony.
What is acupuncture, and how does it support wellness?
Acupuncture is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves gently placing ultra-fine needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and restore balance. It’s a powerful tool for addressing pain, stress, inflammation, and a variety of health concerns. By regulating the nervous system and fostering equilibrium in both body and mind, acupuncture supports your natural healing processes. TCM also includes complementary practices like herbal medicine and Tui Na bodywork to enhance well-being.How does acupuncture create change in the body?
Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural systems, encouraging better blood flow, easing inflammation, and releasing endorphins—your body’s own pain-relieving compounds. It also balances the autonomic nervous system, helping you move from a stressed “fight-or-flight” state to a calm, restorative one. In TCM, acupuncture facilitates the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) through pathways called meridians, which are connected to systems like:
Circulatory system (blood and vessels)
Nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves)
Limbic system (emotions and behavior)
Digestive system (gut health)
Fascial network (connective tissues and muscles)
Vital organs (e.g., Liver, Spleen, Heart, Kidneys)
Reproductive system (hormonal and fertility health)
This holistic approach restores harmony across these systems, supporting overall health.
3. What health concerns can acupuncture address?
Acupuncture is widely used to relieve chronic pain (such as back pain, neck discomfort, arthritis, or migraines), reduce anxiety and stress, improve sleep, ease digestive challenges, and support fertility. It’s also effective for managing symptoms of autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, and even as a complementary therapy for cancer care or post-surgical recovery.
4. Does acupuncture hurt?
Not at all! Acupuncture needles are incredibly thin—much finer than those used for injections or blood tests. Most clients feel minimal to no discomfort, often describing sensations like a slight tingle, warmth, or gentle pressure, which signals the body’s response to the treatment. Therapeutic needling or dry needling has a slightly different therapeutic sensation at times, more of a grab or tugging feeling.
5. How frequently should I schedule acupuncture sessions?
The ideal frequency depends on your unique body, needs and goals which after assessing you I will give you a general treatment plan. I operate on an outcome based model and like to see 50% improvement of the chief complain in 2 weeks. For acute issues, 4 sessions in 10 days may be recommended. For chronic conditions, 1-3 treatments per week over several weeks or months can build lasting results. For internal conditions (diabetes, digestive issues, etc.) I also may recommend a treatment course of herbal medicine instead of acupuncture, usually 1-4 months. This is, again, an outcome and resolutions based approach, ideally for committed individuals. As your symptoms improve, we can adjust to less frequent sessions for maintenance or maintenance care plans.
6. How many treatments will I need to see results?
Some clients notice improvements after just one to three sessions, while those with longstanding conditions may benefit from six to ten or more. Acupuncture’s effects are cumulative, meaning consistent sessions help deepen and sustain your progress.
7. Why do doctors recommend acupuncture?
Physicians increasingly endorse acupuncture due to its proven safety, non-invasive nature, and effectiveness, particularly for chronic pain, stress, and anxiety. It can reduce reliance on medications, aid recovery, and enhance quality of life. Respected organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) acknowledge its benefits, and many insurance plans, including Medicare, now cover acupuncture for specific conditions.
8. Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
At Carolina Acupuncture, we do not directly bill insurance, but some plans accept a superbill—a detailed receipt with treatment codes—for reimbursement. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage details and the number of sessions included. Payment is due in full at the time of your appointment.
9. Are there “side effects” to acupuncture?
I had a teacher call them “therapeutic effects” and I completely love this. We are moving blood and qi so some soreness is common. When performed by a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is very safe. Some clients may experience mild effects like slight bruising, tenderness, or tiredness post-session. Serious side effects are exceptionally rare. Herbal medicine can have its own therapeutic effects that change depending on our treatment strategies. Sometimes increased urination, sweating and/or increased bowel movements therapeutically occur. We discuss all of this in our meetings.
10. How should I prepare for and follow up after a session?
Before your visit, have a light snack and stay well-hydrated. After your session, take time to relax and avoid strenuous activities or alcohol to allow your body to fully integrate the treatment’s benefits.
11. How long are acupuncture sessions?
Your first session lasts 85 minutes, where we’ll review your health history, discuss your current symptoms, and create a personalized treatment plan. Follow-up sessions are either 25 or 55 depending on your needs.
12. How do I book an appointment?
Our convenient online booking system lets you schedule, modify, or cancel appointments with ease. Visit https://Carolinaacu.as.me/ or click “Schedule Now” on our homepage. If you have trouble with the scheduler, email us at emma@carolinaacu.com, and we’ll assist you.
13. How is acupuncture different from dry needling?
Dry needling is a specific technique within acupuncture, targeting muscle trigger points or motor points—great for pain. Acupuncture, however, is a comprehensive TCM practice that uses pattern diagnosis—based on your tongue, pulse, and symptoms—to address the whole body. Licensed acupuncturists complete a four-year Master’s in TCM, with many pursuing doctoral training. Dry needling may be performed by chiropractors or physical therapists within their scope, depending on state regulations, but it lacks the holistic framework of acupuncture.
Thanks for reading, we hope you found this helpful.
Ready to Begin?
We’re here to guide you, please reach out via email or schedule directly here: https://Carolinaacu.as.me/. Thank you!
