How does acupuncture work?

Instead of a long diatribe on the scientific evidence and impressive statistics on acupuncture, I want to talk about acupuncture as a patient. I’ve been Dr. Doyle’s patient for a few years, and through him, a combination of acupuncture and chiropractic care has alleviated pain, triggered healing in my digestive system, and helped me manage systemic inflammation. I’d like to share a typical acupuncture appointment with you.

Getting Started at an Acupuncture Appointment

At the front door, Lori always greets patients with a smile. Signing in involves typing your name into an iPad. I never wait long – maybe three minutes or so. Then Lori has me back on a table, relaxing with a bolster under my knees or ankles. The new, pristine tables adjust so that the back raises to any angle, for comfort.

Lori may put ice on the area of my body to be worked on – such as my low back. In a matter of minutes, Dr. Cody Doyle enters, asking how I’ve been doing. You know, he really takes an interest in his patients and always takes time to chat and make me feel welcome and well cared for. We’ll discuss how I’m doing since the last visit, any new issues, doctor’s visits, things like that.

Getting Acupuncture Treatment

Whether I’m on my back or belly for the acupuncture treatment depends upon how the therapy will be administered at a particular appointment. The doctor gently wipes each area to be treated with a cotton ball and alcohol. He then taps hair-thin needles into each point for the treatment. This does not hurt me. In fact, I rarely feel anything. However, some points are particularly sore. Often, they aren’t in the actual area of my primary issue; instead, the tender points may be on a stress point. Sometimes, the body pushes the needles out, and Dr. Doyle leaves them out and moves elsewhere. Most importantly, nine times out of ten, a sore needle site will feel fine after a minute or two. If it remains sore, Lori or Dr. Doyle will pull it. Dr. Doyle asks if I feel good, and he’ll make adjustments to improve my comfort, if necessary. Then he says, “Let’s let those cook for a few minutes.” I’m left alone in the room to relax for 20-30 minutes.

Sometimes, Dr. Doyle has Lori add muscle stimulation, or muscle stim, to the therapy. In this case, she places four sticky pads on my body. Then she tells me to let her know when the electrical stimulation is strong enough. The stimulation starts very slowly, then has pulses until it’s at a level I feel is strong enough, but not painful. Once Lori sets the level to constant, the pulses stop and I feel only a continual buzzing vibration.

Acupuncture Works Two Ways

I’ve asked Dr. Doyle how acupuncture works, and he explained that it can function in one of two ways, depending on the treatment needed. Either an immune system response is stimulated, or a pain point is the focus. Talking to Dr. Doyle, it’s obvious that he has a passion for his profession, and for patient care. He loves to help people feel good!

You know, acupuncture has been around in the East for thousands of years, and it’s just now becoming a  mainstream alternative treatment in the US. “Alternative” because it doesn’t involve drugs or surgery. It may also be referred to as holistic or natural medicine. Researchers are working feverishly to find out how and why acupuncture works, because doctors know that it does, indeed, work. We also know that acupuncture can force the body to release cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Ultimately, this results in pain relief.

Try Acupuncture Now

If you have chronic pain, potentially short-term pain due to an injury, migraines or headaches, or even systemic issues like irritable bowel system (IBS) or fibromyalgia, call Doyle Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Roanoke, Tx. Dr. Doyle’s office is near Trophy Club and Keller, too, between Hwy 114, IH 35W, and Hwy 377. (They will file your insurance.)