Common Myths About Acupuncture

Common Myths About Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, yet many misconceptions still exist. At Tranquility Base Acupuncture, we believe in educating our patients so they can make informed decisions about their health. Below, we address some of the most common myths surrounding acupuncture.

Myth #1: Acupuncture Hurts

Many people associate the word “needle” with the thick, hollow hypodermic needles used for injections. However, acupuncture needles are completely different—they are hair-thin, solid, and designed for minimal sensation. In fact, you could fit 40 acupuncture needles into the tip of a standard hypodermic needle.

Most patients feel little to no discomfort when the needles are inserted. Some describe a slight twinge, tingling, warmth, or a gentle pressure, all of which indicate the activation of your body’s natural healing response. Many people find acupuncture deeply relaxing, and it’s not uncommon to fall asleep during treatment.

Myth #2: Acupuncture Doesn’t Work

Acupuncture has been used for over 3,000 years and has stood the test of time for one simple reason—it works. Modern scientific research continues to confirm its effectiveness.

Organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize acupuncture as a valid treatment for a variety of conditions, including pain management, digestive disorders, mental health conditions, and more. Leading hospitals and medical institutions—including Boston Medical Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Mayo Clinic, UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, and VA hospitals—now incorporate acupuncture into their treatment programs.

Myth #3: Acupuncture Only Treats Pain

While acupuncture is well-known for treating pain, it addresses a wide range of conditions beyond musculoskeletal issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over 100 conditions that acupuncture can effectively treat, including:

• Neurological & Mental Health: Migraines, anxiety, PTSD, depression, insomnia.
• Digestive Disorders: IBS, GERD, bloating, constipation, nausea (including morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea).
• Reproductive & Women’s Health: Fertility issues, menstrual irregularities, menopause symptoms, PCOS.
• Respiratory & Immune Health: Allergies, asthma, sinusitis, frequent colds.
• Chronic Conditions: Arthritis, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders.

At Tranquility Base Acupuncture, we take a holistic approach, treating both symptoms and their root causes. If you’re unsure whether acupuncture can help with your condition, we’d be happy to discuss it with you.

Myth #4: All Acupuncture Providers Are the Same

Not all acupuncture practitioners have the same level of training.

Licensed acupuncturists undergo extensive education and clinical training, including:

• A minimum of 2,000+ hours of training (3-4 years of graduate-level education).
• Supervised clinical experience
• Board certification exams through the National Certification. Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
• Ongoing continuing education to maintain licensure.

In contrast, some chiropractors, nurse practitioners, medical doctors, and physical therapists offer acupuncture after completing as little as 10 to 300 hours of training, which can often be done online with little to no hands-on practice. Additionally, these practitioners are not required to take continuing education to maintain their acupuncture practice.

At Tranquility Base Acupuncture, all of our practitioners are fully licensed and highly trained specialists in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, ensuring you receive safe and effective care.

Prisca Chen, owner of Tranquility Base Acupuncture, is one of only seven ABORM-certified acupuncturists in New York City.

Myth #5: Acupuncture Works in Mysterious Ways

There is nothing mystical or magical about acupuncture—it is based on scientific principles and has been extensively studied in modern medical research.

Studies have shown that acupuncture:

• Stimulates the nervous system, triggering the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins and serotonin.
• Regulates the body’s stress response, lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
• Improves circulation, reducing inflammation and promoting faster healing.
• Modulates the immune system, supporting overall health and resilience.

In short, acupuncture helps restore balance within the body by activating its natural healing mechanisms.

Myth #6: Acupuncture Only Works If You Keep Going Forever

One of the biggest advantages of acupuncture is that it creates lasting changes in the body.

• Mild or recent issues often improve in just a few treatments.
• Chronic or complex conditions may require a series of 6-10 treatments to achieve significant results.
• Once improvement is achieved, many patients do not need ongoing treatments or may only come in for occasional maintenance visits.

Acupuncture is designed to correct imbalances, not create dependency. Our goal is to help you feel better as quickly as possible while providing tools for long-term wellness.

Myth #7: You Need a Doctor’s Referral for Acupuncture

You do not need a doctor’s referral to receive acupuncture.

While many patients are referred to us by physicians, many others choose acupuncture as their primary form of care or use it alongside conventional medical treatments. Acupuncture has very few contraindications, making it a safe and effective complement to Western medicine.

However, if you are on blood thinners or have a medical condition that affects clotting, let your acupuncturist know so we can adjust your treatment accordingly.

Experience the Benefits of Acupuncture for Yourself

If you’ve been hesitant to try acupuncture because of myths or misconceptions, we invite you to experience it firsthand. At Tranquility Base Acupuncture, we provide safe, effective, and evidence-based acupuncture treatments in a welcoming, professional environment.

Schedule your appointment today and discover how acupuncture can support your health and well-being!