Getting To The Point Of Acupuncture

I’m not a huge fan of needles which is why I always questioned the benefits of acupuncture. However, after hearing from my doctor that I could benefit from acupuncture, and then talking with many friends who had tried acupuncture and had seen improvements for a variety of ailments, I finally sucked it up and signed up to get stuck. 

Based on recommendations, I went to visit Rio Acupuncture on Buford Highway. As many Atlantans and Georgians know, when it comes to finding the most authentic Asian goods and experiences you want to visit Buford Highway in Doraville. This little stretch of land has billboards and store signs in a variety of languages like Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and more, and some of the most amazing food and drink. A visit to Buford Highway is almost always a good idea, but knowing that my acupuncturist was located in this stretch gave me a certain level of confidence in a practice that originated in China. 

What Is Acupuncture

Image Courtesy of Mallory Boggs

Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi (energy) and Xue (blood) flowing through specific meridians, much like nerves and blood vessels. According to this age-old theory, acupuncture helps remove blockages in these pathways, allowing energy to balance and restore the body's natural harmony. 

Modern science supports these claims, suggesting that needling acupuncture points stimulate the nervous system, releasing beneficial chemicals like endorphins that alleviate pain and promote overall well-being. For a medical procedure that’s been in practice for more than 2,000 years, the popularity really blossomed after President Nixon returned from a trip to China in 1972 and highlighted the benefits of acupuncture.

What To Expect

Personally, I found acupuncture to not only be the practice of placing strategic needles in nerves and blood vessels but also an opportunity to meditate (or even nap). With my practice, after I arrive at the office, I’m shown to a quiet room with a massage table where I’m made comfortable. Then the team arrives to place the needles which feel like a minor pinch but are not painful. Because I’m not a fan of needles, I generally avoid looking closely at the needles and I’m able to quickly ignore the fact that they’re sticking out of various parts of my body.

After getting the needles in place, I’m left in a darkened room with gentle spa music playing. In the interest of not disturbing my needles, I’m not able to fill my time with doom scrolling on my phone or distracting myself with a random task. I’m forced to sit quietly and still for roughly an hour, a task that hasn’t been part of my repertoire perhaps ever. While there’s more studies on how the needles themselves impact the body, I think this time when you’re forced to meditate also benefits many people who try acupuncture. 

Common Conditions Treated

Acupuncture is a versatile therapy that can address a wide range of health concerns, making it an appealing option for those looking to manage various conditions holistically. For pain management, acupuncture is frequently used to alleviate discomfort in areas such as the lower back, arthritis, sciatic nerve, knees, elbows, shoulders, neck, and even for headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome. It is also beneficial for managing symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's disease, providing support for those dealing with dementia. Furthermore, acupuncture can be an effective tool for managing mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and bipolar disorder. Women’s health concerns, such as cystic fibrosis, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, infertility, and irregular menstruation, can also be addressed through acupuncture, offering a natural alternative or complement to traditional treatments. 

At the practice that I visit, I’ve heard that they work regularly with several professional athletes, a retired college football coach, and an Olympic athlete. To be very clear, as of writing this article I can’t say that I’ve done the background research to verify this; however, I can verify that this group works with a variety of us more average folks who still need a little help with getting our bodies into a better place.

Time and Cost

While the suggestion of how often to receive treatment might vary depending on your reason to use acupuncture, personally, it was suggested that I start with two visits per week for two weeks and then I could pull back to once a week. I have a terrible habit of being skeptical about suggestions like this and a limited amount of time to dedicate to this, so I just jumped straight to once a week. However, I’ve been consistently going and feeling the benefits for the last month and a half. 

I believe acupuncture is best approached in tandem with a plan from your primary care or specialty doctor. Ideally, doctors will have different acupuncture practitioners they can recommend based on your specific needs. Like many medical procedures, insurance coverage varies depending on the policy. Medicare now covers acupuncture treatment for those with chronic lower back pain. If insurance does not cover the treatment, it’s a simple matter of paying out of pocket. Prices will vary, but anticipate roughly $75 - $125 per session if paying out of pocket. 

A Little Treat

Because I’m facing down my fear of needles and doing something good for my body, I always get myself a little treat after visiting the office. On Buford Highway, there’s no limit to the little treats, but a bubble tea is always a good idea. 

As I wrapped up my first few sessions of acupuncture, I couldn't help but reflect on the surprising benefits this ancient practice had brought me. Despite my initial skepticism and fear of needles, the results have been undeniably positive. Not only has acupuncture helped me progress in my physical health goals, but the entire experience, from the peaceful environment to the enforced time for reflection and rest, has become a cherished part of my weekly routine.

For those considering acupuncture, I recommend giving it a try, especially if you're struggling with chronic pain, cognitive aging health issues, or women's health concerns. The gentle and holistic nature of acupuncture can be a wonderful complement to traditional medical treatments. As with any new health regimen, it's best to consult with your primary care physician and find a reputable practitioner who can tailor the sessions to your specific needs.

And remember, after facing down those needles, a little reward is well-deserved. A cruise along Buford Highway, perhaps with a bubble tea in the cup holder and your favorite song playing, is a delightful way to wrap up the session. It's all about finding balance and enjoying the small pleasures in life, especially when you're taking steps toward better health and well-being.