Acupuncture is a form of therapy that involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points or acupoints, to achieve therapeutic effects. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory (TCM), the human body has 14 meridians that circulate vital energy, or qi, and connect the visceral organs with the extremities. By stimulating acupoints along these meridians, the circulation of qi can be regulated, affecting the organs and body regions and treating diseases.

While the exact mechanisms and effects of acupuncture are not yet fully understood, modern biomedical research has shown that it has broad and significant effects on regulating inflammation, endogenous opioid release, immune function, and the activities and functions of various organs and systems. When used correctly, acupuncture can bring more benefits than just pain control.

KMS acupuncture utilizes a highly refined system of palpation to evaluate, diagnose and assess the effectiveness of a proposed treatment. Palpation is the application of pressure on areas of the body to determine the presence or absence of discomfort as felt and reported by the patient. Such areas are considered ‘positive reflexes’ to the practitioner and are diagnostically significant, offering clues and information about why the patient is not well.

Because areas of discomfort represent diagnostic information, a KMS practitioner uses palpation to create a sort of map of the patient’s weaknesses and imbalances. These ‘reflex areas’ are then compared against the patient’s primary complaints and health history, to determine the most effective treatment strategy. Then points are chosen and validated through palpation and symptom relief. Needles are placed only after each point is verified. It is incumbent upon me as the practitioner to ensure that each point is doing something physiologically positive. Patients can expect to feel results in real time. Through the skillful choice of the appropriate acupuncture points, the points provide ‘information’ to the body to allow it to heal itself. Releasing reflex areas and presenting symptoms restores the body to physiological balance. The advantage of a palpation-based system is that both the patient and the practitioner are aware when an area of discomfort or symptoms are being improved by the treatment. This is not the case with the acupuncture style that is taught at most schools of acupuncture in the United States.

During your first appointment, your acupuncturist will talk to you about your condition. Then, they’ll examine your body for areas that’ll react to acupuncture. Your acupuncturist will tap the needles into points in your skin throughout your body.

The acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable, and as thin as human hair. Your acupuncturist inserts needles at various depths, from a fraction of an inch to a couple of inches. The needles stay in for a few minutes or as long as 20 minutes.

You may feel a small prick with each needle. It’s less painful than the feeling when you get a vaccine or blood draw. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than medical needles. And they’re solid, not hollow.

The needles may cause some muscle sensations, such as dull aches or tingling. Your practitioner will ask you to report when you feel a deep heaviness or numbness. Those sensations usually mean the treatment is working.

Acupuncture has a calming effect, so you may want to get a ride home from your appointments — especially the first one. If that’s not possible, try to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you drive. Your practitioner may suggest that you take it easy for a day or two after each session.

Acupuncture benefits include relief from long-term (chronic) pain and other health conditions. Many people use acupuncture to relieve pain throughout their body, including for migraines, back pain, and arthritis. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may be a successful treatment option for a variety of conditions, including immune system issues, infertility, and the effects of menopause.