What acupuncture is
Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, solid needles into specific points on the skin and leaving them in place for a short time while you rest. It began within traditional Chinese medicine, which describes these points in terms of energy pathways. Modern research instead looks at how needling may influence nerves, muscles, connective tissue and the way the brain processes pain signals.
The needles are far thinner than the hollow needles used for injections or blood draws. Most people feel little at insertion, followed by a dull ache, warmth or heaviness around the point. Many patients find the treatment itself calming.
At Okhowat Chiropractic, acupuncture is offered as one part of a conservative plan and can be combined with hands-on care and exercise when pain involves the back, neck or shoulders. TODO: confirm with client (who provides acupuncture and their license)
Common reasons people try acupuncture
Acupuncture has been studied most for certain types of pain. These are common reasons people consider it as part of a conservative plan.
- Chronic low back pain
- Low back pain is one of the conditions for which acupuncture has been studied most. Some people find it helps ease pain and stiffness, especially as part of an active plan.
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Stiffness and tight bands of muscle across the neck and upper back are a common reason to combine acupuncture with chiropractic and soft tissue care.
- Tension-type headaches and migraine
- Some people with frequent headaches use acupuncture as one part of their prevention plan, alongside care from their physician. See headache and migraine treatment for the broader approach.
- Knee and joint pain from osteoarthritis
- For some people with arthritic joints, acupuncture may ease pain enough to make walking and exercise more comfortable.
- Jaw and facial tension
- Clenching and jaw muscle tightness are sometimes addressed with needling as part of a wider plan for TMJ and jaw pain.
- Stress that shows up as muscle tension
- Many people describe sessions as deeply relaxing. When stress feeds physical tension, that calm can be a welcome part of care.
What to expect at an acupuncture visit
Wear loose clothing that can be rolled up easily, and eat a light meal beforehand so you do not arrive hungry.
Health review
You will be asked about your symptoms, medical conditions and medications. Bleeding disorders, blood thinners, pregnancy, implanted devices and a tendency to faint all affect how treatment is planned.
Positioning and point selection
You lie comfortably on a treatment table, face up or face down. Points are chosen based on your symptoms and may be near the painful area or farther away, such as on the hands or lower legs.
Needle placement and rest
Sterile, single-use needles are inserted with a quick tap, then left in place while you rest quietly for a period that depends on your plan. Tell the provider right away if anything feels sharp, hot or uncomfortable.
After the session
Needles are removed and discarded. Some people feel relaxed or a little tired afterward, and small bruises or brief soreness at a point can occur. Your response is reviewed at the next visit to guide the plan.
What acupuncture may help with
Responses vary, and research results differ by condition. Many patients report benefits like these.
- May ease chronic back, neck and joint pain for some people.
- Can help relax tight, guarded muscles before or after hands-on care.
- May reduce how often tension-type headaches occur for some patients.
- Gives you a non-medication approach that fits alongside the care your physician provides.
- Many people find sessions calming, which can help with stress-related tension.
Is this right for me?
Acupuncture is generally considered low risk when performed with sterile, single-use needles by a properly trained provider. It may suit you if you have ongoing musculoskeletal pain or tension and are comfortable with the idea of needles.
Some people need extra caution or a physician's input first, and certain symptoms are not appropriate for acupuncture at all. Please talk with your physician before treatment if any of the following apply.
Often a good fit
- Ongoing back, neck, shoulder or joint pain
- Frequent tension-type headaches already evaluated by a physician
- You want a drug-free option to add to chiropractic care
- You are comfortable with fine needles and resting quietly
See a physician first
- A bleeding disorder or use of blood thinners
- Pregnancy, especially in the first trimester (some points are avoided)
- A pacemaker or other implanted electrical device
- A weakened immune system, or skin infection near the treatment area
- Uncontrolled diabetes or poor circulation in the legs
- New, severe or unexplained pain, or pain with fever or weight loss
If you have any of these, please see a physician or go to urgent care before booking. In an emergency, call 911.
How acupuncture fits into care at Okhowat Chiropractic
Dr. Okhowat is a Diplomate and Fellow of the American Association of Integrative Medicine, and integrative care means combining approaches thoughtfully rather than stacking treatments. Acupuncture is considered when it fits your symptoms and preferences, and you can decide with Dr. Okhowat whether it belongs in your plan at all.
With more than 19 years of experience and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College, Dr. Okhowat looks at how each part of a plan supports the others. The office on Wilshire Boulevard is a short drive from Beverly Grove, and having several conservative options in one place can make a plan easier to follow.
- DC, Cleveland Chiropractic College
- AAIM Fellow
- AAIM Diplomate, Manipulative and Body Based Practices
- Over 19 years of experience
Questions patients ask
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people feel a brief pinch or nothing at all at insertion, followed by a dull ache, tingling or warmth near the needle. Sharp or burning pain is not expected, and you should mention it right away so the needle can be adjusted or removed.
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed with sterile, single-use needles by a trained provider, acupuncture is generally considered low risk. Minor bruising, soreness or lightheadedness can occur. Serious complications are rare and are less likely with proper technique and screening.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies by condition and person. Many people try a short series of sessions and then assess whether it is helping. If there is no meaningful change after a reasonable trial, it may not be the right tool for you.
Can acupuncture be combined with a chiropractic adjustment?
Yes. The two can be used in the same visit or on alternating visits, depending on what your plan calls for. Relaxing tight muscles with acupuncture may make hands-on work more comfortable for some people.
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Both use similar fine needles. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional point systems, while dry needling targets tight bands in muscle based on Western anatomy. The technique offered depends on the provider's training and your needs.
What should I do before and after treatment?
Eat a light meal beforehand, wear loose clothing, and avoid heavy alcohol use that day. Afterward, stay hydrated and go easy on strenuous exercise for the rest of the day if you feel tired.
Can I get acupuncture if I am afraid of needles?
Many people with mild needle anxiety find acupuncture easier than expected because the needles are so fine. You can start with only a few needles and stop at any time. If needles are a firm no, other conservative options are available.
Can acupuncture help with sciatica?
Some people with sciatica use acupuncture to help manage leg and back pain alongside exercise and other conservative care. Sciatica with progressive leg weakness, numbness in the groin, or bladder or bowel changes needs urgent medical attention instead.
Should I tell my doctor I am getting acupuncture?
Yes. Your physician should know about every treatment you receive, particularly if you take blood thinners, are pregnant, or manage a chronic condition such as diabetes. Keeping everyone informed makes your care safer and better coordinated.