Acupuncture FAQs in Plano TX

Acupuncture is a natural healing practice that comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It involves placing very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to help restore balance, improve energy flow, and encourage the body’s own healing processes. To balance the negative and positive energy, we call it Yin and Yang, Acupuncture can do the job.

Acupuncture is used for a wide range of health concerns. While research is still ongoing, many patients and clinicians find it helpful for all kinds of pain relief, stimulate the nerve system to help stroke, Bell’s palsy etc the nerve system disorders, balance the hormone and promote the circulation to aid pregnancy, stress reduction, and improving overall wellness, and many more.

Insurance coverage for acupuncture varies—some plans cover it, others don’t, and the details can get pretty specific. Our front desk can check it for you before the treatment

Yes, acupuncture can be safe for children when it’s performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. Treatments for kids are very gentle and are often different from adult sessions. In many cases, acupuncturists may use fewer or finer needles—or sometimes even needle-free methods such as acupressure, laser acupuncture, or gentle massage on acupuncture points. Parents often choose acupuncture for children to help with issues like headaches, digestive troubles, allergies, stress, sleep problems, or pain from sports and daily activities.

The number of treatments depends on your specific condition, how long you’ve had it, and how your body responds. Some people notice improvement after just 1–3 sessions, while others may need a series of 6–12 visits to get lasting results.

• Acute problems (like a recent injury, stress flare-up, or sudden pain) often respond more quickly—sometimes in just a few treatments.
• Chronic conditions (such as arthritis, long-term back pain, headaches, or digestive issues) usually take more time and consistency, since the body has been out of balance for longer.

Typically, we recommend starting with 1–3 visits per week for a few weeks. As your symptoms improve, we’ll space treatments further apart, with the goal of moving toward maintenance or wellness visits only as needed.

Acupuncture offers a wide range of benefits because it works with your body’s natural healing systems. Some of the main benefits include:

• Pain Relief – Helps with back pain, neck pain, arthritis, headaches, migraines, abdominal pain, sciatica, and sports injuries, hand and foot pain etc.
• Stress & Anxiety Reduction – Calms the nervous system, promotes relaxation, and improves mood. Great for Anxiety and depression. Stressed out.
• Women’s Health Support – Relieves menstrual cramps, balances cycles, eases menopausal symptoms, and can support fertility
• Whole-Body Balance – Encourages the body to heal itself naturally, supporting overall health and well-being.
• Better Sleep – Supports deeper, more restful sleep and helps with insomnia.
• Nerve system – help stroke, bell’s palsy and Parkinson’s and many more.
• Digestion system – reduce bloating stomach, constipation and diarrhea.
• Cancer care – support the immune system, reduce nausea and vomiting after the chemo therapy.
• And many more.

Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner. The needles are single-use, sterile, and extremely thin, which makes the risk of infection or injury very low.

Most people feel relaxed after treatment, but a few may experience:

• Mild soreness or a small bruise where the needle was placed
• Temporary fatigue or lightheadedness
• Rarely, a slight worsening of symptoms before improvement (a normal healing response)

Yes! Acupuncture is often very effective for relieving both back and neck pain, whether it’s caused by injury, poor posture, stress, or chronic conditions. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture can:

• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Relax tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and back
• Improve circulation and range of motion
• Support the body’s natural healing processes

Many patients notice improvement after just a few sessions, though chronic back pain may require a series of treatments for lasting results. Acupuncture can also be combined with other therapies, like chiropractic care or physical therapy, for even better outcomes.

Yes! Acupuncture is often effective for relieving tension headaches, migraines, and other types of recurring headaches. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture can:

• Reduce headache pain and frequency
• Relax tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and head
• Improve blood flow and circulation
• Promote the body’s natural healing and balance

Many patients notice improvement after a few sessions, and regular acupuncture can help prevent headaches from recurring. Acupuncture is gentle, safe, and can be used alongside other treatments for best results.

During the appointment, you’ll relax while the needles are gently placed and left in position for 15–30 minutes, depending on your needs, sometimes it can take 60min. Many patients find the experience calming and even fall asleep during treatment.

Yes! Acupuncture can be very effective for treating sports injuries, including strains, sprains, muscle soreness, and joint pain. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture can:

• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Relax tight muscles and relieve spasms
• Improve blood flow and circulation
• Support faster recovery and healing
• Enhance flexibility and range of motion

Many athletes use acupuncture as part of their recovery plan, often alongside physical therapy or chiropractic care. Treatments can help you return to your sport more quickly and prevent future injuries.

Yes! Acupuncture is generally considered safe for pregnancy when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. Many expectant mothers use acupuncture to help with:

• Nausea and morning sickness
• Back and neck pain
• Stress and anxiety
• Sleep difficulties
• Preparation for labor (in later stages, under professional guidance)

Acupuncturists use specialized techniques and gentle needle placement for pregnant women, avoiding points that could induce labor unless that is the intended goal.

Before starting treatment, it’s always a good idea to check with your OB-GYN or midwife, and let your acupuncturist know your full pregnancy history.

No, acupuncture is not addictive. Unlike certain medications, acupuncture does not create dependence or withdrawal symptoms. Many people choose to continue treatment because they feel better, have less pain, and experience improved overall wellness — but that’s a personal choice, not an addiction.

Acupuncturists are highly trained healthcare professionals who complete extensive education and clinical training before practicing. Typically, their education includes:

1. Master’s Degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine – Most programs require 3–4 years of graduate-level study.
2. Coursework – Covers anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, acupuncture theory, herbal medicine, and patient care.
3. Clinical Training – Hands-on experience treating patients under supervision, often totaling hundreds of clinical hours.
4. Licensing & Certification – In the U.S., acupuncturists must pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exams to become licensed in their state.
5. There are some acupuncture schools that offer the doctorate degree now.

This rigorous training ensures that acupuncturists can safely and effectively assess patients, develop personalized treatment plans, and provide professional care.