Acupuncture

The Deep Dive

Japanese calligraphy of the characters for 'fire' and 'ice' in black ink on white paper.

‘acupuncture’

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a medical practice that utilizes the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body. This treatment activates the body’s natural healing mechanisms, improves circulation, and supports the body’s ability to heal and restore healthy function.

Acupuncture—simple yet powerful. With its long and extensive history, acupuncture has been used to promote health and healing for thousands of years. When properly applied, it can be a powerful tool for helping the body resolve imbalances and restore healthy function.

Qi

‘qi’

How does acupuncture work?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by moving and influencing “qi” or “chi,” which is often described as the body’s “life force” or “life energy.” From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, disease, dysfunction, and disharmony can arise when qi becomes stagnant or stuck. Freeing this stagnation helps restore the proper flow of qi, allowing the body to return to its natural, unhindered function.

The modern explanation of how acupuncture works is complex and incorporates several physiological events throughout the body that promote the healing process. To keep the explanation simple, acupuncture works because your body works. Your body responds to the insertion of acupuncture needles by activating a cascade of healing processes and regulatory mechanisms throughout the body.

To gain the greatest benefit from acupuncture, we recommend approaching your treatments in much the same way you would approach working out. A single treatment has the potential to provide meaningful relief and benefit for many health imbalances. However, just as one workout will not usually bring someone to world-class physical condition, one acupuncture treatment may not be enough to create lasting change.

The body heals at its own particular rate, which is heavily influenced by its current condition. When more significant or long-standing imbalances are present, the healing process may be hindered or progress at a slower rate.

The best and most lasting results are typically achieved through a continuous series of successive acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture can also be combined with other therapeutic TCM modalities, creating a positive, synergistic effect that supports the body’s healing processes and helps it reach a more favorable state of homeostatic balance more quickly.

Does acupuncture hurt?

The short answer is no—acupuncture generally does not hurt. An estimated 90–95% of the people we treat report that the needles cause little to no discomfort. In fact, many say they do not feel the needle insertion at all.

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin—much smaller than standard I.V. or I.M. needles. The accompanying pictures compare acupuncture needles with a standard 18-gauge I.V. needle. In Picture 1, eight 32-gauge acupuncture needles are inserted into the tip of an 18-gauge I.V. needle. In Picture 2, nineteen 40-gauge acupuncture needles fit inside an 18-gauge I.V. needle. Picture 3 provides a side-by-side size comparison of a 32-gauge acupuncture needle and an 18-gauge I.V. needle.

Licensed acupuncturists receive extensive training in safe needling practices and proper insertion techniques. Our professional training included approximately 795 hours of supervised clinical practice, providing extensive hands-on experience in administering acupuncture safely, precisely, and as comfortably as possible.

Although acupuncture should not be painful, patients may occasionally experience a brief pinch during insertion or sensations such as heaviness, warmth, tingling, or a dull ache around the acupuncture point. These sensations are generally mild and temporary. Your comfort is always important, and the needles can be adjusted or removed if anything feels uncomfortable.

Comparison chart of various needles with their sizes. Features a matchstick (4.2 mm), medical needle (2.9 mm), sewing needle (1.0 mm), acupuncture needle (0.13-0.30 mm), and human hair (0.06 mm).
Close-up of a chainstitch lockstitch sewing machine needle bar with multiple needles arranged in a star shape, made of stainless steel, against a grey background.

picture 1.

A collection of metal micro-forceps with textured handles, arranged in various patterns on a neutral background.

picture 2.

Collection of medical needles and syringes, including a needle with a pink shield, a saline lock, two pre-packaged needles, and a box of sterile needles, arranged against a white background.

picture 3.

Acupuncture Services Offered at Foothills Acupuncture

Choose from flexible, single-visit acupuncture services tailored to your individual needs—without committing to a treatment program.

Acupuncture Treatment Programs

Our structured treatment programs make consistent care simpler and more affordable, giving you a clear path toward meaningful, lasting progress.

Acupuncture works cumulatively—much like exercise. A single session can help you feel better, but consistent treatment gives each visit the opportunity to build upon the last, strengthening your body’s response and supporting deeper, longer-lasting progress. Our treatment programs are designed to provide the frequency, repetition, and personalized care needed to move beyond temporary relief and work toward meaningful improvement in pain, stress, sleep, digestion, mobility, and overall function.

Programs also make staying consistent easier. Appointments can be scheduled in advance, helping you protect time for your care and maintain the treatment frequency recommended by your practitioner. Flexible automatic payment options eliminate the need to manage payment at every visit, while program savings and added benefits make comprehensive care more accessible. With your schedule and payments already organized, you can spend less time managing treatment and more energy focusing on your progress.

Red question mark on a black background.

What’s the next step?

If you are ready to move forward with your health goals and begin working toward a pain-free life, we recommend booking an Initial Appointment. This 90-minute visit includes a comprehensive TCM health assessment and a full acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment.

We understand that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine may be new to you and that you may have questions before getting started. Please feel free to contact us by phone, text, or email for any and all of your questions.

Call/Text: 720-683-0577

email: info@foothillsacupuncture.com

If you would like to learn more, we invite you to book a complimentary consultation. During this conversation, we can discuss your health concerns and goals, answer your questions, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for your care.

Use the online scheduler below to book your appointment

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