Among the thousand and one wellness treatments out there, acupuncture has stood the test of time. Used in traditional Chinese medicine, the practice involves inserting fine needles into strategic points to help alleviate various ailments from the physical to the mental. The idea is to balance the body’s flow of energy—also known as Qi—through specific pathways in the body called meridians.

Though the practice has been around for at least 3,000 years, acupuncture is also the most widely used alternative medicine practiced globally. It’s also a frequent subject of scientific study, with research showing it really may have benefits—especially for the management of pain.

“Acupuncture promotes the body’s natural ability to restore balance, enhancing everything from blood flow and hormones to mental and emotional well-being, but it’s also used for cosmetic improvements like facial rejuvenation and scar healing, as well as fertility support,” says Shannon Chanler, M.A., L.Ac., founder of Geneseo Acupuncture & Integrative Health at Fall Brook Farms and consulting herbalist for Good Psyche. “I’ve seen an uptick in patients dealing with mental and emotional distress since the pandemic, and acupuncture provides a lot of relief for my patients suffering with anxiety and depression.”

But how exactly does it work and is it right for you? Read on to learn more about the benefits of acupuncture.

Finding balance

“If you don’t correct an imbalance, you can’t fix a problem, because all you’re doing is masking it,” explains acupuncturist, Oriental medicine specialist, and Chinese herbalist Juhi Singh. “Acupuncture ensures that energy flows evenly through all its channels, removing blockages and correcting underlying imbalances that have been present in the body for many, many years.”

The procedure typically goes as follows: a certified acupuncturist makes an assessment and chooses the appropriate points to treat, which could include areas of the knees, feet, hands, abdomen, face, and head. Then, they’ll gently insert fine, sterile needles into these points. These needles do not usually cause discomfort, but it depends on the sensitivity of each person.

“A typical treatment uses five to 20 needles, and you may have a mild pain sensation when the needle reaches the correct depth,” notes the Mayo Clinic. You may also feel a slight “itch” or tingle, and your acupuncturist may sometimes gently move or rotate the needles after placement to increase energy flow. “In most cases, the needles stay in place for 10 to 15 minutes while you lie still and relax. Generally, no discomfort is felt when the needles are removed.”