Acupuncture: What Can It Help With and What to Expect

Acupuncture is one of the oldest therapeutic practices in traditional Chinese medicine and is now used in many different healthcare settings around the world.

While acupuncture is often associated with pain relief, its potential applications extend beyond musculoskeletal concerns. Depending on the individual and the reason for treatment, acupuncture may be used to support symptoms such as nausea, headaches, digestive concerns, stress, sleep difficulties, and some treatment-related symptoms.

In my practice, acupuncture is one tool that may be incorporated into an individualized naturopathic treatment plan. I use it alongside other approaches when it makes sense for the person's symptoms, health history, and goals.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body.

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is used to influence patterns of physiological and energetic function. From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture is thought to influence the nervous system and may affect processes involved in pain perception, muscle activity, autonomic function, and other physiological responses.

These perspectives don't necessarily need to be viewed as mutually exclusive. Acupuncture can be understood through its traditional framework while also being studied using modern scientific methods.

A typical acupuncture treatment involves placing a number of very fine needles at selected points and allowing you to rest while the needles remain in place.

Additional techniques may sometimes be incorporated depending on the treatment plan.

What can acupuncture help with?

Research into acupuncture has investigated a wide range of conditions and symptoms.

The strength of evidence varies considerably depending on the specific condition, but acupuncture may be considered as part of care for concerns such as:

• Musculoskeletal pain

• Headaches and migraines

• Nausea

• Digestive symptoms

• Menstrual symptoms

• Stress and relaxation

• Sleep concerns

• Some treatment-related symptoms

• General symptom management and quality of life

Acupuncture isn't appropriate for every condition, and it shouldn't be presented as a treatment for everything.

Instead, I consider whether there is a reasonable rationale for using acupuncture for the specific symptoms and goals you're experiencing.

Acupuncture for pain

Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture.

Research has evaluated acupuncture for several types of pain, including chronic musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, and other persistent pain conditions.

Acupuncture may be particularly useful when pain is influenced by multiple factors, including muscle tension, nervous system sensitivity, stress, and other contributors.

Treatment is individualized based on the location and characteristics of the pain as well as the broader clinical picture.

Acupuncture may be used on its own or alongside other approaches such as exercise, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or other medical care.

Acupuncture for nausea and digestive symptoms

Acupuncture has also been studied for nausea and vomiting, including nausea associated with some medical treatments.

This can be particularly relevant in integrative oncology, where nausea may occur as a result of cancer treatment.

Acupuncture may also be considered for certain digestive symptoms, although the appropriate approach depends on what is causing the symptoms.

For concerns such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, reflux, or changes in bowel function, understanding the underlying cause remains important. Acupuncture may be one component of a broader treatment plan rather than a replacement for appropriate medical evaluation.

Acupuncture during cancer treatment

Acupuncture can have a role in supportive cancer care, particularly when the goal is to help manage symptoms and support quality of life.

Research has investigated acupuncture and related techniques for symptoms that can occur during cancer treatment, including:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Pain

• Fatigue

• Hot flashes

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Sleep difficulties

• Anxiety and stress

• Other treatment-related symptoms

The evidence varies depending on the symptom and treatment being studied.

Importantly, acupuncture is not a treatment for cancer itself and should not replace conventional cancer treatment.

Instead, it can sometimes be incorporated alongside oncology care to help address symptoms and support wellbeing during treatment and survivorship.

For someone undergoing cancer treatment, acupuncture should be planned with their broader medical care in mind. The timing of treatment, blood counts, medications, surgery, treatment-related side effects, and other clinical factors may all influence whether acupuncture is appropriate.

What does acupuncture feel like?

One of the most common questions about acupuncture is:

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin—much thinner than the needles typically used for injections or blood draws.

You may feel a brief sensation as a needle is inserted, followed by sensations such as warmth, heaviness, tingling, pressure, or a mild ache.

Many people find acupuncture relaxing and may become very comfortable or even fall asleep during treatment.

If something feels uncomfortable, however, you should always let your practitioner know so the treatment can be adjusted.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by an appropriately trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles.

As with any procedure, side effects are possible.

The most common are generally minor and may include:

• Temporary soreness

• Minor bleeding or bruising

• Lightheadedness

• Temporary fatigue

More serious complications are uncommon but can occur.

Your health history is therefore important when determining whether acupuncture is appropriate. Certain circumstances—including some bleeding disorders, use of blood-thinning medications, pregnancy, immune suppression, or other medical conditions—may require modifications or additional precautions.

What happens during an acupuncture appointment?

An acupuncture appointment typically begins with an assessment of your symptoms, health history, and treatment goals.

Depending on the reason for treatment, I may ask about:

• Your primary symptoms

• When the symptoms started

• What makes them better or worse

• Your medical history

• Current medications and supplements

• Sleep

• Digestion and bowel function

• Stress and emotional wellbeing

• Menstrual or hormonal health, when relevant

• Your cancer treatment, if applicable

This information helps determine whether acupuncture is appropriate and which approach may be most useful.

During treatment, you'll generally lie or sit comfortably while the needles are placed.

Once the needles are in place, you can relax for a period of time before they are removed.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

There isn't one standard number of acupuncture treatments.

The appropriate frequency depends on:

• What you're being treated for

• How long you've had the symptoms

• How you respond to treatment

• Other treatments you're receiving

• Your overall health and goals

Some people notice changes after one or several treatments, while others require a longer course of care.

I generally prefer to establish a clear treatment goal and reassess whether acupuncture is providing meaningful benefit rather than recommending an indefinite number of treatments without evaluating the response.

Acupuncture and other naturopathic treatments

Acupuncture doesn't have to be used on its own.

Depending on your goals, it may be combined with other naturopathic approaches such as nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle interventions, or supplementation.

For example, someone experiencing digestive symptoms might benefit from a combination of dietary changes and acupuncture, while someone undergoing cancer treatment might receive acupuncture alongside nutritional and symptom-supportive care.

The appropriate combination depends on the individual.

What acupuncture can't do

Acupuncture is sometimes promoted as a treatment for almost everything.

It's important to be realistic about what acupuncture can and cannot do.

Acupuncture should not be presented as a cure for cancer or as a replacement for appropriate medical treatment.

Similarly, the existence of research supporting acupuncture for one condition does not mean that acupuncture is effective for every condition.

The evidence is strongest for some applications and less certain for others.

I use acupuncture where there is a reasonable clinical rationale and where it fits with your overall treatment plan.

The bottom line

Acupuncture can be a useful tool for managing certain symptoms and supporting overall wellbeing, particularly when it is incorporated into an individualized treatment plan.

Its potential applications extend beyond pain and may include nausea, digestive symptoms, headaches, sleep concerns, stress, and some symptoms associated with cancer treatment.

The goal isn't to use acupuncture simply because it's available. It's to determine whether it makes sense for you, what we're hoping to accomplish, and whether you're actually benefiting from treatment.

Interested in acupuncture?

If you're wondering whether acupuncture may be appropriate for your symptoms or as part of your broader naturopathic care, an individualized consultation can help determine whether it fits your goals and health history.

Book an Appointment →

Important note

Acupuncture is not appropriate for everyone and may require modifications based on your health history, medications, and medical treatments. This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice.