Acupuncture restores the balance of energy in your body, promotes natural healing, and relieves pain so effectively that it’s increasingly recommended by medical doctors. Dr. Beijing Men at Integrated Oriental Medicine has national certification as a Diplomat of Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. As an acupuncture specialist, Dr. Men has helped many patients overcome health problems with customized treatment. To schedule an appointment, call one of the offices in Seattle or Bellevue, Washington, or book an appointment online.

Acupuncture Q & A

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is based on energy — Qi — that circulates throughout your body. When you’re healthy, your Qi flows freely along pathways called meridians.

Meridians are associated with specific organs and systems in your body. When you develop disease, suffer an injury, or become ill, the flow is blocked along the meridians of the affected systems.

When Dr. Men places acupuncture needles in precise points associated with the blocked meridians, the flow of energy is restored, and your body can use its natural ability to heal.

In addition to balancing your Qi, acupuncture needles can stimulate peripheral nerves that send messages to your brain. As a result, your brain chemistry changes, releasing beneficial neurotransmitters and endorphins.

What health conditions benefit from acupuncture?

More than 50% of medical doctors believe acupuncture is beneficial for their patients. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is proven to treat many diseases and conditions. These are only a few from WHO’s list:

  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Depression
  • A headache
  • Facial pain
  • Knee pain
  • Back and neck pain
  • Chronic gastritis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Sprains

Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health says that acupuncture is effective when used alone or together with other therapies to treat conditions such as:

  • Migraines
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Myofascial pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Asthma
  • Addiction
  • Dental pain after surgery

As more studies are published, the scientific evidence increasingly supports what traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have known for thousands of years: Acupuncture is effective, especially for pain conditions such as neck and lower back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and migraines.

What should I expect during an acupuncture session?

Acupuncture needles are thin, flexible, and tapered so they easily slide through your skin and into the targeted acupuncture point. Most patients don’t feel any discomfort when Dr. Men inserts the needle. When the needle reaches the appropriate depth, you may experience the sensation of pressure or a dull ache.

After the needle is in place, Dr. Men may activate the needle through gentle movements such as twirling or with mild electrical stimulation. You won’t feel the electricity, but it enhances the therapeutic effect of the needle.

In the hands of an expert acupuncturist like Dr. Men, you should never experience pain during an acupuncture session.

If you’re ready to get effective pain relief and restore your energy with acupuncture, call Integrated Oriental Medicine or book an appointment online.