Acupuncture FAQ's

Acupuncture is an ancient medical system that seeks to aid the body’s natural processes. Very thin needles, as well as heat and electrical stimulation, are used to assist the body’s natural flow of energy.  Acupuncture can be used alone or in conjunction with physical therapy and/or chiropractic care. If acupuncture is prescribed as part of your treatment, it can be provided at Acupuncture Care of WNY.

What is Acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is a system of complementary medicine that has been used for centuries to relieve neuralgic pain and the release of fluids. It is also used to treat various physical, mental and emotional conditions. Acupuncture views the body as a self-healing dynamic whole, a network of interrelation and interacting electrical pathways. The even distribution of these interacting pathways helps maintain health, while any interruption, depletion or stagnation can lead to imbalance and/or metabolic compromise. By improving the body’s flow of energy, the biochemical balance within the body is improved, which assists in natural healing processes, as well as a person’s overall emotional and physical well-being. Acupuncture needles are very fine and are inserted by a licensed professional.

 What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Chronic & Acute Pain - Bone, Muscle & Joint Problems

• • Arthritis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, fibromyalgia

  • Lower back, neck & shoulder pain

  • Sport injuries, muscle spasm, spine disorders

  • Post surgical pain, radiculopathies

Psychological / Emotional Disorders

• • Addiction & drug withdrawal

  • Depression, anxiety, insomnia

  • Smoke cessation, appetite control, weight loss

Disorders of the Head Area

• • Facial paralysis, headache, migraine, vertigo, trigeminal neuralgia

    • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ)

Other Areas of Treatment

• • Respiratory problems (sinus, throat, asthma, etc.)

  • Digestive problems, infertility, poor circulation

Does Acupuncture Hurt? 

Acupuncture bears little or no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection. The main source of pain from injections is the larger hollow needle diameter and the medication being forced into the tissue site. However, acupuncture needles are non-hollow, very fine and flexible and about the diameter of human hair. The fine needles are usually only inserted from ¼ to 2 inches in depth. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed without discomfort. You may experience a sense of heaviness, distention or electricity in the area of insertion. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment.

Is Acupuncture Safe? 

Yes, in the hands of Marc Iannaccone, a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is safe. All acupuncture needles are sterile and disposable.