What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient medical system that uses fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body to influence the nervous system, circulation, and the body’s innate healing systems.
Clinically, acupuncture relieves pain, reduces stress, supports sleep and digestion, and helps rebalance hormones and immune function.
At The Holistic Clinic we use acupuncture both for immediate symptom relief and as part of a whole-body, root-cause plan.
Acupuncture in Daphne and Fairhope
Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine: a whole-system approach
Chinese medicine is not only about needles. It’s a 4,000–5,000-year-old medical tradition that views health as the balanced interaction of organ systems, energy pathways, and lifestyle. Chinese Medicine is an entire system of medicine and way of looking at the body, like Western medicine has their system. Acupuncture is just one branch of Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and therapeutic movement work together to restore system balance — improving symptoms and addressing the underlying root cause of chronic illness, fertility issues, autoimmune dysfunction, and environmental health problems.
The Art of Acupuncture is highly refined:
Licensed Acupuncturists spend several years in accredited Master’s or Doctorate programs—over 3,000 hours of study and supervised clinical practice—to ensure each treatment is safe, precise, and deeply effective. Training covers anatomy, needling technique, Western Medicine, Chinese medicine theory, herbology, and blending traditional wisdom with modern medical understanding. The result is a holistic approach that meets you where you are and supports your body’s natural ability to heal.
What makes our Clinic stand out?
-
Our Acupuncturist has complete training in Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture totaling 3000 hrs
-
Our Acupuncturist went to one of the best schools in the nation, trained by Chinese Medical Doctors who are also Licensed Acupuncturists
-
Our Acupuncturist has advanced training in Functional Medicine and Injection Therapy
Frequently asked questions
How Does Acupuncture work?
From a modern medical perspective, acupuncture influences the body’s neuroendocrine and immune systems. Tiny, painless needles send signals through the nervous system that help rebalance stress hormones, release natural painkillers, and restore healthy communication between organs and tissues.
From an Eastern perspective, acupuncture moves Qi — your vital life force — through energetic pathways called meridians. When Qi is flowing freely, the body and mind return to their natural state of harmony and health.
This beautiful bridge between ancient wisdom and modern science is what makes acupuncture such a powerful and lasting form of healing.
Is Acupuncture Effective?
Yes — acupuncture has been shown in hundreds of scientific studies to be effective for a wide range of conditions, including pain, migraines, anxiety, insomnia, and hormonal imbalance.
It works by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms: improving circulation, reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and calming the nervous system.
In our clinic, we see patients experience real results — better sleep, less pain, more energy, and a sense of emotional peace — often within just a few sessions.
How Many Sessions Will I need?
It depends on your condition and how long it’s been present. Acute issues may improve in just a few sessions, while chronic patterns often need a series for deeper change. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan for your specific goals.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
No! Very small sterile needles are inserted into specific points, that are known Acupuncture points. This means there is a small hole or vortex of energy there, which is between tendons, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. The small needle activates this point, thus creating an impulse of 15 microvolts of energy that travels along a pathway called a Meridian. Once all of the needles are placed, it creates a euphoric effect where typically the patient falls asleep and is in a deep state of relaxation.
What Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture treats any body, system or organ imbalance. If there is a word for it, we have a point for it. It can help such diagnoses as insomnia, stress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, gut issues, pain, nerve issues, numbness, fatigue, etc. Acupuncture is a complete balancing modality for the body, if performed by a Licensed Acupuncturist. We treat anything that a western doctor treats, but we treat it naturally and at the root.
Can Acupuncture work Alongside other Treatments?
Absolutely! Acupuncture blends beautifully with physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, and conventional medicine. Many patients use acupuncture to speed recovery, reduce medication use, and enhance overall results.
.
What Should I do Before and After a Session?
Eat a light meal beforehand, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable clothing. After treatment, take it easy, avoid alcohol or intense workouts, and give your body time to integrate the healing response.
Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
Some insurance plans now include acupuncture coverage. You can check your benefits and our office can provide documentation for reimbursement. We also offer affordable wellness packages for self-pay patients.
What to look for when choosing a practitioner
- Licensure: look for L.Ac., Board certification, and state licensure.
-
Education & clinical hours: ask how many supervised clinical hours and what program the practitioner attended.
-
Sterile, single-use needles: confirm they use disposable needles and standard infection-control.
-
Experience with your condition: ask about experience treating fertility, autoimmune illness, mold/toxin illness, chronic pain, or whatever your concern is.
-
Collaborative care: a good practitioner coordinates with your other providers and uses lab testing when appropriate.
Dry needling vs Acupuncture— the difference
“Dry needling” and short certification courses are not the same as a full Chinese medical education. Dry needling typically targets local muscle trigger points and is taught from a musculoskeletal model — not the Chinese medicine system. Weekend or short-format “acupuncture” trainings for non-acupuncturists cannot substitute for accredited Master’s programs that provide thousands of hours of study and clinical hours. If a clinician calls themselves an “acupuncturist,” check their licensing — only a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) has the specific, comprehensive training in Chinese medicine and needling safety.
