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What Does Acupuncture Actually Do?


Andrea Izquierdo Acupuncturist

Imagine living without the constant pain, stress, or sleepless nights that weigh you down. What if there was a natural way to restore your body’s balance and vitality? Acupuncture is the key to unlocking better health—here’s why.


Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most well-known treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). With a history dating back over 3,000 years, acupuncture is used to treat a variety of health concerns, ranging from chronic pain to stress management. At our practice, we have performed over 16,000 treatments and continue to help thousands of patients restore their health- even after all other therapies have failed.


Despite its long history, many people still ask us, “What does acupuncture actually do?” In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind acupuncture, how it works to restore balance in the body, and why our approach to acupuncture is so effective.

While acupuncture has stood the test of time, it’s more than just an ancient therapy—its integration with modern medical research makes it one of the most effective treatments for pain, stress, and overall wellness today.


The Science Behind Acupuncture


Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, solid, stainless steel, sterile needles into specific points on the body to access the nervous system and stimulate the bodies own healing mechanisns like hormones rebalancing, neurotransmitters release, muscle release and nerve regeneration. Acupuncture has many applications, and it helps with pretty much anything an animal or human can suffer from, but its effectiveness is highly dependent on the practitioner who performs it.


From the ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by ensuring energy (Qi) flow in the body. When Qi is balanced and flowing smoothly, the body is healthy. However, when Qi becomes blocked or stagnant, it can lead to pain, illness, and dysfunction.


Modern research is catching up to the benefits of acupuncture and has shown that acupuncture can help with a variety of conditions, including:


  • Pain Management: Acupuncture is most commonly known for its ability to alleviate chronic pain, such as back pain, joint pain, headaches, and arthritis.

  • Stress and Anxiety Reduction: By promoting relaxation and reducing stress hormones, acupuncture can help manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

  • Enhanced Healing: Acupuncture supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms by improving circulation and oxygenation, accelerating recovery from injuries and surgeries.

  • Improved Digestion: Acupuncture can help regulate the digestive system, treating issues like bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

  • Better Sleep: Acupuncture can also aid those suffering from insomnia by balancing the body’s systems and encouraging better rest.


How Does Acupuncture Work?


Acupuncture points are located along the body’s meridians. These points correspond to specific organs, systems, or areas of the body that need attention. When the acupuncture needles are inserted into these points, they create a slight stimulus that sends a signal to the brain. This signal triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which help to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote overall healing.


One of the most important concepts in acupuncture is the balance of Yin and Yang. Yin represents the body's nourishing and cooling aspects, while Yang represents warmth, energy, and activity. Acupuncture aims to restore balance between these two forces, ensuring the body functions optimally.


Why our approach to Acupuncture is different?


At Bodhi TCM, we take a holistic approach to health by combining the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific techniques. Our acupuncture treatments are unique to each patient to meet their specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes and addressing the root cause. Here’s why Bodhi TCM stands out:


1. Personalized Acupuncture Protocols

No two patients are the same, which is why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. Our acupuncture protocols are customized based on a thorough consultation, during which we take the time to understand your health history, current symptoms, and overall goals. This personalized approach ensures that we’re addressing the root cause of your health issues, not just the symptoms.


2. Integration with Modern Science

At Bodhi TCM, we don’t just rely on ancient traditions; we also integrate modern science into our acupuncture practice. One example is our Cellular BioModulation Therapy (CBMT), a cutting-edge treatment that uses cellular microcurrent therapy to enhance acupuncture results. This innovative approach helps to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and improve cellular function, providing a powerful complementary therapy to traditional acupuncture.


3. Expert Practitioners

Dr. Andrea Izquierdo, the founder of Bodhi TCM, experience in acupuncture and Chinese medicine includes classical studies as well as modern techniques like neuroacupuncture. She is committed to continuing education, regularly attending advanced training in the US and internationally to stay up-to-date with the latest acupuncture research. This expertise allows her to offer acupuncture treatments that are both effective and safe, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care.


4. A Holistic Approach to Healing

At Bodhi TCM, we understand that health is more than just the absence of disease. We focus on balancing all aspects of your life, including your diet, sleep, stress levels, and physical activity. Our treatments incorporate not only acupuncture but also dietary advice, lifestyle recommendations, and stress-relief techniques. This holistic approach is designed to support your body’s natural ability to heal and thrive.


Common Conditions Treated by Acupuncture

Acupuncture is highly effective for a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture at Bodhi TCM:


Chronic Pain

Acupuncture is widely known for its ability to alleviate chronic pain, particularly in conditions like:

  • Lower back pain: Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and relieve muscle tension in the back.

  • Joint pain: Whether it’s in the knees, shoulders, or elbows, acupuncture can help restore mobility and reduce discomfort.

  • Headaches and Migraines: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches and migraines by stimulating specific acupuncture points.


Stress and Mental Health

Acupuncture is a natural way to manage stress and anxiety without relying on medications. By stimulating points that regulate the nervous system, acupuncture helps to promote relaxation and balance hormones. It has been shown to be beneficial for:

  • Chronic stress

  • Anxiety

  • Depression


Digestive Disorders

Acupuncture is also helpful for improving digestion and treating conditions such as:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  • Constipation

  • Acid reflux


Fertility and Reproductive Health

Acupuncture plays a significant role in balancing hormones and enhancing reproductive health. It is used to:

  • Regulate menstrual cycles

  • Increase blood flow to the uterus

  • Support fertility treatments


Sleep Disorders

Acupuncture has been shown to improve sleep quality and is a natural remedy for those suffering from insomnia. By balancing the body’s systems, acupuncture promotes relaxation and helps restore the body’s circadian rhythms.


What Makes Bodhi TCM Unique?


At Bodhi TCM, we believe that acupuncture is not just about inserting needles into specific points on the body. It’s about creating a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs, integrating modern science with ancient wisdom, and addressing the root causes of your health concerns. Here are a few key elements that make Bodhi TCM unique:


  1. Patient-Centered Care: We take the time to listen to each patient and provide treatments that are in line with their personal health goals. We are focused on achieving your health goals, that is why if we don't believe our treatments would be helpful to your specific condition, we will let you know during the consultation.

  2. Comprehensive Treatment Options: In addition to acupuncture, we offer a range of treatments such as CBMT, electroacupuncture, tui na, gua sha, and more, they are all included in a personalized program, to help our patients achieve optimal health.

  3. Holistic Healing: We focus on healing the body as a whole, not just treating individual symptoms. Our goal is to restore balance in the body and mind, ensuring long-term health and wellness.


Acupuncture offers a natural and effective way to restore balance, manage pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. At Bodhi TCM, we combine the best of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific techniques to offer treatments that are tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress, digestive issues, or sleep problems, acupuncture at Bodhi TCM can help you regain your health and vitality.


If you’re interested in learning more about how acupuncture can help you, or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation, contact us at 321-312-0771. We look forward to helping you restore your health!

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