What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been used in China for more than 2,000 years to encourage the body to heal itself naturally.  An acupuncture practitioner inserts thin needles in very precise acupuncture points that correspond to various organs and systems of the body.

How does acupuncture work?
Western medicine theorizes that acupuncture stimulates the production of neurochemicals that influence the body’s internal regulating system, improving energy and biochemical balance. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including those related to:

• Pain 
• Orthopedic conditions
• Neurological and muscular disorders

What do treatments feel like?
Because the needles used in acupuncture are so fine, insertion feels similar to a mosquito bite for most patients. Once the needles are in place, there is usually no pain. The needles are sterile, so there is no risk of infection, and usually no bleeding when they are removed. Treatments typically involve multiple needles—eight to 20 on average—left in place for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the condition treated.

Most patients do not experience side effects following a treatment. Sometimes, however, the original symptoms worsen for a few days. The most common side effects include changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns. Such changes are usually minor and last no more than a few days.

Health insurance
Coverage varies between insurance companies.  For specific information, call your health plan or the employee benefits department at your workplace.