acupuncture & natural health

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is scientifically proven for more than 300 health conditions. Decades of research studies show the efficacy of acupuncture versus a placebo (not to mention centuries of empirical evidence). Recent research has shown us more about how acupuncture works physiologically. In traditional Chinese acupuncture, there are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body. Needles inserted in specific combinations at these points interact with the fascial network (our internal messenger system) to alter brain chemistry. For example to reduce pain, acupuncture points will tell your brain to increase endorphins (aka the body’s natural painkillers). Acupuncture can also balance hormone levels or regulate cortisol, better known as the fight or flight response triggered by stress and anxiety.

Do the Acupuncture needles hurt?

treatments are designed with your comfort and relaxation in mind. When the needles are put in, it’s common to feel nothing at all. Sometimes, there’s a brief dull ache or warm sensation. Most people report how relaxed they are during the treatment, often falling asleep. We encourage you to find out for yourself, but personally we feel that an acupuncture nap is the nap to end all naps! Be warned: you may never nap this well again… When the treatment is over, you’ll barely notice when the needles come out. And chances are you’ll be so blissed out you won’t even feel it at all. Post-treatment, you should feel calm and relaxed at a minimum--and pat yourself on the back for taking the time to invest in your health. The rest of how it will feel depends on your particular health needs and treatment.

What is Acupuncuture Good For?

Acupuncture for anxiety. Acupuncture for migraines. Acupuncture for depression. Acupuncture for lower back pain. Acupuncture for fertility. The list goes on and on--with over 300 use cases in total, according to the World Health Organization. At WTHN, we break it down to three major categories: Prevent, Heal + Glow:

○ PREVENT // Let’s start by busting a myth. You don’t need to be sick or injured to see some serious benefits from acupuncture. In fact, regular maintenance is a powerful way of keeping you healthy. If you’re busy and always on the go with zero time to get sick, acupuncture is a great way to ward off fatigue, soothe sore muscles, minimize stress and anxiety and majorly boost immunity.

○ HEAL // Acupuncture has healed for millennia, and been clinically proven to treat hundreds of medical conditions. Major areas that can be healed by acupuncture: pain (literally from head to toe, but more commonly neck, back + shoulder pain plus migraines), women’s health (PMS, fertility + menopause),  men’s health, digestion, and insomnia.

○ GLOW // You want to feel your best, why not look your best while you’re at it? Facial rejuvenation acupuncture is an ancient Chinese beauty secret that reduces inflammation, lifts sagging facial muscles and boosts collagen to reduce wrinkles and fine lines--and gives your skin an overall fresh-faced radiance from within. Go on, give it a glow!