FAQs

Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions | Westport CT Pain & Stress Relief

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body by insertion of very fine, sterile stainless-steel needles to elicit a predictable physiological response. Acupuncturists assess a patient’s syndrome or pattern of disharmony (aka disease) to determine the appropriate body points at which to treat the presenting pattern of disharmony. Acupuncture is one of the essential elements of Oriental medicine; it is the most commonly-used medical procedure in China, Japan, and Korea.

How can acupuncture treat pain? How does it work?

Pain syndrome represents an out-of-balance body and the stagnation of Qi, or blood flow. The famous statement in Huang-di Nei-jing, the Classic Chinese Medicine text says:  “If it doesn’t flow, there’s pain. If it flows, there’s no pain.”

Robert B. Kelly, MD, MS, and Joel Willis, DO write: “Traditionally, acupuncture is thought to restore the normal flow of energy (qi) in the body. In the modern era, acupuncture has been shown to have multiple effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Functional magnetic resonance imaging has made it possible to study brain responses to acupuncture. Release of endogenous opioids, serotonin, and norepinephrine may have downstream effects on nociceptors, inflammatory cytokines, and other physiologic mechanisms that can change pain perception.”

How do I know if acupuncture can help me?

Acupuncture is a good option for anyone who wants to complement their regular healthcare plan and improve overall well-being.

Contact me for a free 15-minute video consultation to see if you can benefit from acupuncture and how I can best help you.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an effective medical system that has been used for thousands of years to prevent, diagnose and treat disease. The practice includes various forms of acupuncture, diet therapy, herbal medicine, meditation, exercise, physical therapy manipulation and massage.

Huang-di Nei-jing, or Inner Classic of Yellow Emperor, written c. 2600BC, is the source of all Chinese medical theory. It is the oldest of Chinese medical texts - the Chinese equivalent of the Hippocratic corpus.

TCM is based on the fundamental tenet that Qi (the body’s vital energy) flows and circulates through meridians (channels) in the body connecting to the bodily organs and functions keeping a person’s spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health in balance.

What is Balance Body in Yin and Yang theory?

In the healthy body we find a balance of Yin and Yang, which western science describes in terms of homeostasis, or normalcy. For instance, the basic four main vital signs monitored by medical devices to check the balance of your health are body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure (which can each be too high (Yang) or low (Yin)). Blood can be too acidic (Yang) or alkali (Yin), Muscle too tight (Yang) or too loose (Yin). Doing activities during the day (Yang) is balanced by rest and sleep at night (Yin).

Seeking to maintain balance in the body by living a healthy lifestyle helps prevent disease and promotes longevity.

How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

There are three main factors which determine how many sessions a patient may need. First, how long have you had the problem? The longer that you have had it, the longer it will take to treat. For example a year of chronic pain may take about 4-6 sessions to treat. But each patient is unique: some obtain relief in 1-2 sessions for acute conditions. Second, proper self-care after the treatment speeds your recovery. How well you follow the recommendations of balance diet and lifestyle impacts the duration of required therapy Third, the level of severity of the illness impacts the length of the treatment program.

To obtain optimal results, I generally recommend receiving a treatment once or twice a month.

Are the acupuncture needles clean?

Yes, all needles are sterilized and packaged for single-use only.

All licensed acupuncturists must obtain the Clean Needle Technique Certificate from the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. It is the nationally recognized standard in acupuncture safety .

Do the needles hurt?

Sensitivity and tolerance threshold varies from person to person. Certain areas of the body can be more sensitive. For example, the back has thicker skin and is less sensitive compared to the hands and feet, which have thinner skin with more nerve endings.

If you feel pain during the treatment, please let me know immediately. I will adjust the needles or modify the therapy location to other points on your body. The key thing is to remain still and relaxed.

How should I prepare before and after my treatment?

Set aside time before and after your appointment to relax. I recommend you eat a light meal and avoid caffeine and alcohol two hours prior to your treatment. Caffeine is a stimulant and may increase your body’s sensitivity to the needle’s insertion. After the treatment, please take it easy, drink lukewarm water, avoid alcohol and get plenty of sleep.

What should I do if I have to cancel the appointment?

There is a 24-hour cancellation policy and a full no-show fee for services, with extreme weather exceptions and unforeseen emergencies. Please contact us if you cannot make your appointment.

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is commonly used to treat chronic pain, neck and back pain, migraines, arthritis, sports injuries, stress, anxiety, insomnia, digestive disorders, and women’s health concerns.

At Nina Acupuncture in Westport, Connecticut, treatments focus on pain management, nervous system regulation, hormonal balance, and preventive wellness using evidence-informed Traditional Chinese Medicine.

How effective is acupuncture for chronic pain?

Research shows acupuncture is effective for many chronic pain conditions including back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, shoulder pain, and headaches. A large meta-analysis of nearly 18,000 patients found acupuncture provides significant pain relief and works better than no treatment or sham acupuncture.

Because it is drug-free and low risk, acupuncture is widely recommended as a safe, non-opioid option for chronic pain management.

Does acupuncture really work or is it placebo?

Scientific studies show acupuncture has measurable physiological effects beyond placebo. Brain imaging and clinical research demonstrate that acupuncture can stimulate endorphins, regulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.

Many major medical organizations now recognize acupuncture as an evidence-based complementary treatment for pain, stress, and functional disorders.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. Acupuncture is considered very safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist using sterile, single-use needles. Side effects are typically minimal and may include slight soreness or mild bruising.

At Nina Acupuncture, patient safety and comfort are always the top priority, and treatments are tailored to each individual’s health history and needs.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people feel little to no pain during acupuncture. The needles are extremely thin—much thinner than injection needles. You may feel a gentle tingling, warmth, or pressure at certain points, which many patients find relaxing.

Many patients report feeling calm or even sleepy during treatment.

What should I expect during my first acupuncture session?

Your first visit includes a comprehensive consultation discussing your health history, lifestyle, sleep, stress levels, and treatment goals. A personalized treatment plan is then created.

Thin sterile needles are gently placed at specific points and typically remain for 20–30 minutes while you relax. Many patients feel deeply relaxed or energized afterward.

Can acupuncture help with stress, anxiety, and burnout?

Yes. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system and supports the body’s “rest and digest” response. Research shows it can lower stress hormones like cortisol and increase endorphins and serotonin.

Patients often report better sleep, improved mood, and reduced anxiety after regular treatments.

Can acupuncture help with sports injuries and active lifestyles?

Acupuncture is widely used for sports injuries, muscle tension, joint pain, and recovery support. It can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and speed healing.

At Nina Acupuncture, sports and orthopedic acupuncture techniques are used to support athletes, runners, and active professionals in Fairfield County.

Can acupuncture help women’s health and hormonal balance?

Acupuncture is commonly used to support menstrual health, PMS, fertility, pregnancy support, perimenopause, and menopause symptoms. Treatments focus on hormonal balance, stress reduction, and whole-body wellness.

Many women use acupuncture as a natural, supportive therapy alongside conventional medical care.

Is acupuncture covered by insurance in Connecticut?

Some insurance plans in Connecticut cover acupuncture for pain management and certain medical conditions. Coverage varies by provider and plan.

We recommend checking with your insurance company regarding your specific acupuncture benefits.

How often should I get acupuncture?

Frequency depends on your goals.
For acute pain or stress: 1–2 times per week initially
For chronic conditions: weekly treatments
For wellness/prevention: monthly maintenance

Regular sessions help support long-term balance and resilience.

Why choose Nina Acupuncture in Westport, Connecticut?

Nina Acupuncture provides personalized, evidence-informed acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Westport, Connecticut. We specialize in pain relief, stress and burnout recovery, sports injuries, women’s health, and preventive care.

Our approach blends modern research with traditional healing principles to help patients restore balance, reduce pain, and achieve long-term wellness naturally.