Acupuncture points are most often found along energy channels called meridians, which travel throughout the body. A licensed acupuncturist learns hundreds of points in their training which are specific to each organ system (jinye) or bodily fluid (xue). Each point is also specific to yin and yang making each treatment specific to the current state of the person.
Acupuncture needles are smaller than a sewing needle. The depth of how far the needle is inserted varies by which tissue it is going into. For example, a needle inserted into a facial point will be a lot more shallow than one needled into a large muscle belly such as a thigh.
More often than not, however, a needle is only placed about ¼ of an inch to 1 inch into the body and results in no pain when inserted. However, everyone is different and every point is different. Feelings of heaviness, sharpness, warmth or tingling have been reported. Depending on the severity of this feeling, a needle can be adjusted to sway this feeling.
Acupuncture is used to treat everything from aches and pains, migraines, herniated discs, high blood pressure, allergies, infertility, insomnia, menstrual dysregulations and much, much more. And with a low risk of side effects and interactions, it’s safe for children, during pregnancy and in combination with other forms of treatment.