Acupuncture is among the most popular natural health treatments in use today, but does acupuncture work, and if so, what does it do for those looking for relief here in St Petersburg naturally?
At Neuroplasticity St Pete, we offer acupuncture as a part of our integrative health approach that combines the best of cutting-edge medicine with ancient knowledge and wisdom to help people in their journey back from chronic pain, nervous system dysregulation, and more. Whether you are looking into it for natural pain relief, to help with fertility, or something else, such as stress management, acupuncture has got your back.
Key Takeaways
- Acupuncture is the procedure of marshaling very thin, sterile needles in specific points on the body to encourage health and wellness.
- These commonly include all types of pain, migraines, fertility problems, IBS disorders, anxiety, and nerve pains.
- At Neuro St Pete, we use traditional medicine in its purest form, blended with functional neurology, to give you an acupuncture session that is unlike any other.
- Acupuncture is also safe from trained professionals-the needles are FDA-regulated and single-use, almost painless.
- A lot of clients also say they feel more peaceful, relaxed, and balanced after just a few sessions.
- Acupuncture is often used with other therapies — and it doesn’t have to be done on its own.
What Is Acupuncture?
What is acupuncture for back pain? Acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, is an alternative healing method that involves having ultra-thin steel needles inserted in the skin on various areas — including the back, neck, or head, as well as really tender places behind your ears. Though based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has evolved to embrace the knowledge of the nervous system and immune response as we have it today.
Our acupuncture at Neuroplasticity St Pete is focused on balancing your body systems, which can help you with physical and emotional wellness.
What Is Acupuncture Used For?
Acupuncture is commonly used for:
- Chronic pain relief (arthritis, migraines, neck/back pain, muscle tension)
- Sports injuries
- Menstrual cramps and hormonal imbalance
- Nerve pain and facial discomfort
- IBS and digestive issues
- Infertility and hormonal support
- Hot flashes and menopause symptoms
- Immune system support
- Side effects from cancer treatments
- Stress-related disorders and anxiety
- Pregnancy-related discomforts
- Overuse injuries like carpal tunnel or tendinitis
Because acupuncture works with the nervous and circulatory systems, it often produces wide-ranging effects—sometimes improving symptoms patients weren’t originally treating.
Types of Acupuncture Treatments
Acupuncture is not acupuncture is not acupuncture. At Neuro St Pete, we customize each treatment to the individual patient’s needs, using different styles:
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
Emphasizes balancing the flow of Qi (energy) within the body. This system employs meridians — channels of energy where different acupoints are stimulated to re-route or unblock energy.
Trigger Point Acupuncture
Particularly great for myofascial pain syndrome, this technique aims to specific “knots” in muscle tissue that can refer pain elsewhere. Pricking those trigger points can help release them and return the muscle to function.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Illness, disease follows when Qi is depleted or obstructed in some way. By acting on the particular acupoints in meridians of the body, acupuncture can make them adjust their interrelation (their being acted upon and pulling each other).
Acupuncture might affect the nervous system and induce a release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s natural pain killers) and enkephalins. It boosts blood flow, tamps down inflammation, and reins in the immune response.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?
At Neuroplasticity St Pete, your initial acupuncture appointment comes with a detailed consultation. A trained practitioner will get to know your medical background, current symptoms, and wellness objectives. After that, treatment begins.
Here’s what to expect:
- The sterile, disposable needles are inserted into certain areas of the body.
- The needles are so fine that insertion may be barely into the skin or deeper.
- Once they are in position (which can be anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes), they don’t come out.
- You may experience mild feelings of heaviness, warmth, tingling, and perhaps even numbness. These are all standard symptoms of your body reacting.
Acupuncture at Neuro St Pete may use other holistic methods, such as low-level light therapy (LLLT), BEMER circulation therapies, or functional neurology techniques in conjunction with acupuncture to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Not really. The vast majority of patients find iontophoresis surprisingly painless. Acupuncture needles are vastly thinner than those used to deliver injections or draw blood, and they are not hollow. At most, you may only be left feeling a tiny pinch, or perhaps some dull ache.
For many, the experience is inherently calming — even deeply relaxing. Patients regularly drift off to sleep while being treated.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
Following your visit, you may experience:
- Relaxed or sleepy
- Energized or mentally clear
- Tingling and soreness at the needle site (infrequent)
We suggest you not do heavy activity right after this and take a rest if possible. Some patients report an instantaneous transformation, while others may require multiple sessions to recognize significant differences.
Benefits of Acupuncture at Neuro St Pete
We combine traditional Chinese medicine, functional neurology, and tailored care to provide you with more than just a way out of your symptoms:
- Addresses causes of symptoms, not just symptoms themselves
- May reduce reliance on medication
- Aids in the treatment of difficult-to-manage and chronic diseases
- Supports overall emotional and physical health
- Safe and non-invasive
- Aids the body’s natural healing processes
Are There Risks?
Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed professional, such as Neuroplasticity St Pete. Acupuncture needles are regulated by the FDA, and all of ours are sterile, individually packaged, and used only once.
Complications are uncommon, but can include:
- Mild bruising or soreness
- Lightheadedness (especially if you don’t eat beforehand)
- Fatigue post-session
Non-qualified acupuncturists may, on the other hand, expose patients to infections, nerve injuries, and inappropriate operation of needles. That’s why the right trained, experienced provider matters.
How Often Should I Get Acupuncture?
Depends on the condition and response of your body. We usually begin with weekly sessions, and we go from there depending on your growth. For chronic conditions, a course of treatment may be required for lasting relief.
The majority of patients report feeling a difference after 3-5 treatment sessions, especially when crystal facial therapy is combined with our additional holistic modalities.
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When Should You Consider Acupuncture?
In such a case, acupuncture might be the best solution.
- Recovering from injuries or surgery
- Efforts to fine-tune hormones or enhance fertility
- Managing stress, anxiety, or fatigue
- Boosting your immune system
- Looking for natural, non-medication remedies
At Neuroplasticity St Pete, we have a plethora of such tools, and acupuncture is just one arrow in our sling as we help support you towards reaching your full potential for wellness amidst an environment that is friendly and cozy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to an acupuncture appointment?
We recommend you use light, comfortable clothing that you can easily roll up or take off so we can access potential points found everywhere on the arms and legs, lower back, and abdomen.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Some insurance companies cover acupuncture. Check with your provider; we suggest you pick up the phone rather than send an email. We also provide affordably priced private pay.
Can acupuncture help with anxiety or depression?
Yes. Acupuncture could help balance your nervous system and spur the release of chemicals that make you feel good, which in turn can have a calming effect on anxiety and depression, including compounds such as serotonin or endorphins.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes, if well done. In fact, it may help to minimize nausea, back pain, and fatigue — and prepare you for labor. Always inform your practitioner that you are pregnant.
Call Neuroplasticity St Pete on (727) 202-6006 to schedule your first appointment. “Bodywise” natural health professionals locally will arrange an initial consultation to ensure a program can be tailored to meet your particular requirements.
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