Yes! Acupuncture is a minimally invasive, safe approach to treating injury and illness, offering an excellent alternative to standard medical care. Acupuncture is a holistic, stand-alone treatment modality, although it is often combined with other physical therapy techniques such as massage, cupping, moxibustion, and manual traction.

Where Are Acupuncture Points Located?

It's common for acupuncture needles to be placed on the arms and legs or near the site of pain or discomfort. Acupuncture points may also be located on the front and back of the body as well as the head and face.

How Many Acupuncture Points Will Be Used?

Depending on a person's condition at the time of treatment, the number of acupuncture points used will vary from person to person and from treatment to treatment.

How Long Will Acupuncture Needles Be Retained?

During treatments, acupuncture needles may be inserted and retained for various amounts of time, depending on the individual case, to allow the body's musculoskeletal and central nervous system to unwind. In acupuncture sessions geared towards internal medicine, acupuncture points may be inserted and retained to promote relaxation. In dry needling sessions focused on musculoskeletal issues, needles are often retained briefly while the practitioner pinpoints myofascial trigger points; needles are then removed and generally followed by a medical massage, manual traction or cupping.

Acupuncture in Portland, Maine

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe, effective alternative therapy that involves the insertion of thin, sterile, single-use needles into specific areas of the body, depending on one's health concern(s). By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture helps restore physiological balance and support overall health. It's one of the many facets of Chinese medicine, dating back over 2,000 years. Acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points to modulate muscle tone, stimulate blood & qi circulation, and bring about a natural immune response.

Research has shown that acupuncture points are areas of the body with a high concentration of nerve endings, blood vessels, and connective tissue. These points function as key sites of neurological activity, helping to conduct the body's natural bioelectrical signals. When stimulated, they trigger specific biochemical responses in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain, activating the body's innate healing mechanisms and supporting both physical and emotional well-being.

By promoting the circulation of bodily fluids such as blood and lymph, acupuncture decreases pain and inflammation, speeds healing and recovery, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Often, the strategy behind acupuncture is to create flow, movement, or circulation through the body or a particular area of the body. The goal is to harmonize and create a balanced ecosystem in the body.

What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

When used for internal medical conditions, acupuncture is known to stimulate the release of endorphins, reduce the number of pro-inflammatory markers in the body, and also affect the level of pain-modulating neurotransmitters at various sites along the nociceptive pathways. It also promotes endocrine system harmony, enhances circulation and immune function, and promotes central nervous system calmness.

How Acupuncture Works

Promotes Central Nervous System Balance

When used to calm the body and mind, acupuncture triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which leads to relaxation and a parasympathetic response.

Increases Blood Flow

Acupuncture and dry needling increase blood flow through targeted areas, which promotes faster healing.

Speeds Healing

Acupuncture and dry needling activate the body's natural healing mechanisms.

Reduces Pain

Acupuncture and dry needling trigger your body's own pain-relieving response. They increase circulation, reduce inflammation, calm overactive pain signaling in the nervous system, and release natural opioids like endorphins.

Local Twitch Response (LTR)

In sports acupuncture and dry needling specific treatments, the needle may release a trigger point or muscle knot and cause an involuntary muscle twitch or contraction that ultimately unwinds and lengthens muscle fibers, enhances circulation, and improves mobility.

What To Expect During an Acupuncture Session

Treatments are designed to address the root cause(s) as well as the symptom(s) of a pattern. Your first treatment begins with a thorough consultation to understand your medical history and goals. Based on discussion, a personalized treatment plan is developed, which may include acupuncture & bodywork (& herbal medicine as needed). Depending on your specific needs, treatment may also include adjunct therapies such as cupping or moxibustion (heat therapy).

Fine, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body and retained for a period of time while you rest. Most patients find the experience deeply relaxing.

Acupuncture needles placed along a patient's back during a treatment at Point Acupuncture in Portland, Maine

Common Conditions & Concerns We Treat with Acupuncture

If you're struggling with a health concern not listed below, please don't hesitate to reach out! This is not a comprehensive list of conditions Chinese medicine can treat.

–Pain & Musculoskeletal Injuries (Back, Neck, Shoulder, Joint)
–Women's Health & Fertility
–Holistic Dermatology
–Stress Patterns & Sleep
–Digestive Issues
–Allergies & Immune Support
–Longevity & Wellness

See all conditions we treat

Acupuncture FAQs

What Our Patients Say

“I had an excellent experience with Hannah at Point Acupuncture. My back pain, which I'd been struggling with for a while, was completely resolved after just a few sessions. Hannah took the time to understand the root cause and thoughtfully explained her treatment approach every step of the way. Highly recommend!”

— Chris R.

“I had a stroke in 2024. I felt aching all over and decided to try acupuncture. I was skeptical initially, but I felt relief the next day. Totally worth it, I'm going every week. I highly recommended!”

— Tim B.

“Hannah is wonderful! Her compassionate practice model combines bodywork and acupuncture in a nurturing, fluid manner. We recently started introducing herbal medicine into our sessions and I am already blown away by her vast and intuitive clinical skills.”

— Kat O.