The Beginner’s Guide to Acupuncture

In recent years, ancient Eastern medicine modalities have gained immense momentum and popularity in Western society. One common modality is acupuncture. Scared of needles? Unsure where to start? Zero idea what the HECK acupuncture even is? Continue reading to learn more about this powerful healing treatment. 

person getting acupuncture

What is acupuncture? 

During treatment, the practitioner will utilize small, thin, needles to penetrate key points in the skin. In traditional Chinese medicine, practitioners believe the human body contains over 2,000 points connected by meridians.

These meridians create an energy flow in the body that contributes to overall health and well-being. When the energy of this flow is disrupted, disease can occur. Acupuncture aims to improve the overall “flow,” and, in turn, improve overall health. 

What can acupuncture be used for? 

The better question here is what CAN’T acupuncture be used for? Acupuncture is a multi-faceted, universal treatment that can be utilized for a slew of concerns, conditions, and total body health support personalized to the patient’s needs.

Broadly, acupuncture can be utilized to address a wide array of digestive, emotional, sinus, hormonal, musculoskeletal, and neurological conditions. Acupuncture considers both mental and physical health and can also be utilized to support and relieve muscle pain and soreness.

Your practitioner will begin your session by feeling your “pulses” and determining which points will benefit your total body wellness on that specific day, in that specific season.

Acupuncture focuses on the belief that the body’s needs change daily and that customizing a treatment approach ensures your body is receiving the support and relief it needs at that given point in time to bring your body back to optimal health. 

My personal experience with acupuncture

I’m truly acupuncture’s biggest fan and hype girl. I, like many Chicagoans, struggle immensely with the cold. I’ve also struggled with Raynaud’s disease, which further affects overall circulation and the body’s ability to handle the cold.

Last year, I knew I had to try something different to help alleviate my symptoms and improve my overall circulation.

Going into my first session, I didn’t know what to expect — but I was hopeful as opposed to nervous. I felt very comfortable with the practitioner who I began to see and IMMEDIATELY fell in love with this treatment.

As someone who literally can’t ever relax or slow down, I actually was able to turn my brain off during my first session and even found myself dozing off for a few minutes.

I was INSTANTLY sold. The immediate relief treatment offered me in supporting anxiety was incredible. It was an instant reset and recharge, and I truly had never before felt so relaxed and at ease. 

Every session, I’m so intrigued to learn about the current state of my body and the meridians that’ll be supported during that specific session. I’m sure my practitioner gets annoyed with all the questions I ask, but it’s SUCH an interesting healing modality to continuously learn more about!

My practitioner never fails to make me feel seen, heard, supported, and comforted — qualities that are sometimes missed in traditional Western medicine practices.  

Mental Health Think & Feel

About Lauren Scheuneman

Lauren graduated from Loyola Chicago in 2018, with a BA in Advertising and Public Relations and began her career in paid media working across health accounts. She has always been incredibly passionate about the health and wellness space and is constantly searching for ways to merge her passion points with her day to day work. She believes we are all lifelong learners, and all just trying to “figure it out,” and is often reminding herself to enjoy the journey rather than focusing on the destination! Lauren focuses on the “360 approach” to wellness and the mind-body connection. She believes we are all our best selves and do our best work when we do so with passion, and are able to use our own strengths to lift each other up. She absolutely loves group fitness classes (and is always up for trying something new!) as she greatly values the importance of community and loves bringing people together.