Acupuncture, a key treatment method in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained global recognition and is now widely used as part of integrative medicine—combining conventional and complementary approaches to support both body and mind.
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that originated in China over 2,000 years ago.
It is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the body’s vital life energy. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, illness or discomfort may develop when the flow of Qi becomes blocked or imbalanced.
Acupuncture aims to restore balance by inserting very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points.
Over the years, acupuncture has evolved from a traditional Eastern practice into a widely accepted complementary treatment used throughout the world.
From a traditional perspective, acupuncture restores the flow of energy throughout the body.
From a modern scientific perspective, several mechanisms may explain its effects:
Stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals
Influencing the nervous system and biochemical pathways
Improving blood circulation
Reducing inflammation
Relaxing connective tissue (fascia) and releasing muscular tension
Modulating brain activity related to pain perception
MRI studies have shown measurable changes in brain activity following acupuncture treatment, suggesting that acupuncture may affect neural pathways involved in pain and stress regulation
Acupuncture is suitable for most people and can often be safely integrated with conventional medical treatment.
It may be suitable for:
Acupuncture may help with:
Back pain
Neck and shoulder pain
Joint pain
Arthritis
Sciatica
Whiplash injuries
Frozen shoulder
Heel spur
Chronic or acute pain
Migraines and headaches
Facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
Recovery support after stroke (CVA)
Dizziness and vertigo
Tinnitus
Acupuncture may support people dealing with:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Inflammatory bowel conditions
Constipation
Diarrhea
Bloating and gas
Acid reflux
Nausea
Acupuncture is often used to support:
Menstrual pain
PMS symptoms
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis
Fertility and fertility treatments
Menopause symptoms
Acupuncture may help improve:
Stress and anxiety
Mild depression
Inner restlessness
Sleep disturbances
Persistent fatigue
Emotional tension
Many people report feeling deeply relaxed after treatment.
Acupuncture is sometimes used alongside oncology care to help reduce treatment-related side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, or biological therapies.
It may help with:
Nausea and vomiting
Sleep disturbances
General or localized pain
Fatigue and exhaustion
Low energy
Mood support and overall wellbeing
Acupuncture (using child-adapted techniques) may help with:
Seasonal illnesses
Ear infections
Acute or chronic respiratory conditions
Abdominal pain
Constipation or diarrhea
Sleep difficulties
Bedwetting
Attention difficulties
Developmental challenges
Acupuncture may also support people with:
Allergies
Respiratory issues
Skin conditions
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Urinary incontinence
Kidney-related conditions
Autoimmune diseases
Thyroid imbalance
Fibromyalgia
General fatigue and low energy
Many people worry that acupuncture will be painful—but in most cases, it is not.
The needles used are extremely thin and are inserted gently into the skin. Most patients feel little to no pain, and many describe the sensation as mild, calming, or deeply relaxing.
Your first appointment usually includes a full assessment. The practitioner may ask about:
Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment may also include tongue observation and pulse diagnosis.
Based on this evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is created. In some cases, herbal medicine may also be recommended.
Before treatment, it is recommended to:
For chronic conditions, a series of treatments is usually recommended for best results.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries and continues to gain scientific and clinical support.
Its most recognized benefits include:
Studies have shown particularly strong results in chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, lower back pain, and migraines.
Acupuncture has also shown promising results in fertility support and in reducing chemotherapy-related side effects
Acupuncture is sometimes met with skepticism, with some assuming its effects are purely placebo.
However, growing scientific evidence suggests otherwise.
Clinical studies have shown measurable physiological effects, including:
Endorphin release
Nervous system activation
Hormonal regulation
Changes in inflammatory responses
Altered brain activity
Research comparing real acupuncture with sham acupuncture and standard treatments consistently shows positive outcomes, especially for pain management and functional improvement.
While acupuncture is not a cure-all, many patients experience meaningful improvement in symptoms, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Leumit Gold members are eligible for complementary medicine treatments at attractive member prices, with no limit on the number of treatments and access to a broad nationwide network of clinics.
