Frequently Asked Questions

At Austin Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, we know patients often have questions about acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, and how our treatments can support their health. Below, we’ve organized answers by topic—covering pain, stress, fertility, women’s health, men’s health, gut health, and immune support.

Q1: What is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine is a 2,500-year-old system that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and mind-body practices like Tai Chi and Qigong. It treats the whole person, not just symptoms.

Q2: What is acupuncture, and how does it work?

Acupuncture uses ultra-thin, sterile needles at specific points to regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and restore balance.

Q3: What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Commonly treated conditions include pain (back, neck, arthritis, neuropathy), stress, anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, fertility issues, women’s health concerns, men’s health, allergies, autoimmune disease, and immune weakness.

Q4: Is acupuncture painful?

No. Needles are hair-thin, and most patients feel little to nothing. Some notice a mild tingling or warmth. Treatments are usually relaxing.

Q5: How many sessions will I need?

Acute conditions may improve in 3–6 visits. Chronic issues often take 8–12 or more, with maintenance visits for long-term balance.

Q6: What should I expect during my first session?

We review your health history, check your pulse and tongue, and discuss your symptoms. The session lasts 30–60 minutes, and most patients feel calmer afterward.

Q7: Can acupuncture be used alongside conventional medicine?

Yes. It complements conventional care, supports recovery, and helps manage side effects. We coordinate with your providers for safe, integrated treatment.

Q1: Can acupuncture help with chronic pain?

Yes. Acupuncture calms pain signals, reduces inflammation, and relaxes tight muscles.

Q2: How does acupuncture help with neuropathy?

It improves nerve circulation, reduces tingling/burning, and supports nerve repair.

Q3: Is acupuncture safe for people on pain medication?

Yes. Acupuncture works alongside medication and may reduce reliance over time (with medical supervision).

Q4: How quickly will I notice results?

Some feel relief after one treatment; chronic pain often improves steadily over 4–8 visits.

Q5: Can acupuncture help with post-surgery pain?

Yes. It speeds recovery, reduces swelling, and lowers pain without medication side effects.

Q6: Does acupuncture help with arthritis and joint pain?

Yes. It reduces stiffness, swelling, and discomfort in arthritis and supports mobility.

Q7: Can acupuncture treat headaches and migraines?

Yes. Many patients report fewer, less severe migraines with regular care.

Q1: How does acupuncture reduce stress?

It lowers cortisol, balances the nervous system, and promotes calm.

Q2: Can acupuncture help with anxiety or panic attacks?

Yes. It regulates the nervous system and reduces stress-related physical and emotional symptoms.

Q3: Does acupuncture improve sleep quality?

Yes. It helps reset circadian rhythms, quiet the mind, and deepen rest.

Q4: How many treatments for insomnia are typical?

Most notice improvement within 4–6 visits. Chronic insomnia may need ongoing support.

Q5: Can acupuncture relieve stress-related physical symptoms?

Yes. It helps with headaches, digestive upset, tight muscles, and fatigue.

Q6: Can acupuncture replace medication for anxiety or sleep?

Sometimes. Many patients reduce medications under physician guidance once acupuncture stabilizes symptoms.

Q7: Is acupuncture safe for stress during pregnancy?

Yes. Gentle, pregnancy-safe protocols help reduce anxiety and support rest.

Q1: Can acupuncture improve fertility naturally?

Yes. It regulates cycles, balances hormones, improves uterine blood flow, and reduces stress.

Q2: Does acupuncture improve IVF or IUI success rates?

Studies show improved implantation, uterine lining quality, and reduced side effects.

Q3: Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Yes. It supports morning sickness, fatigue, back pain, and mood balance.

Q4: Can acupuncture help during labor?

Yes. It promotes cervical ripening, helps turn breech babies, and eases delivery.

Q5: What are the postpartum benefits of acupuncture?

It restores hormone balance, eases depression, reduces pain, and speeds healing.

Q6: Can acupuncture help postpartum recovery and breastfeeding?

Yes. It increases milk supply, supports C-section recovery, and reduces fatigue.

Q7: Can acupuncture help with recurrent miscarriage?

Yes. By improving uterine blood flow and hormone balance, it may reduce risk and support healthy pregnancies.

Q1: Can acupuncture help with PMS or PMDD?

Yes. It reduces cramps, bloating, and mood swings.

Q2: Does acupuncture support women with PCOS?

Yes. It encourages ovulation, balances hormones, and reduces inflammation.

Q3: Can acupuncture relieve endometriosis pain?

Yes. It reduces inflammation, regulates cycles, and supports fertility.

Q4: Does acupuncture help with menopause symptoms?

Yes. It reduces hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and insomnia.

Q5: Can acupuncture help regulate irregular periods?

Yes. It restores hormonal balance and cycle regularity.

Q6: Does acupuncture help with infertility related to women’s health conditions?

Yes. It supports fertility in women with PCOS, endometriosis, or irregular cycles.

Q7: Can acupuncture improve energy and mood during hormonal changes?

Yes. It boosts vitality and helps stabilize mood swings.

Q1: Can acupuncture help with erectile dysfunction?

Yes. It improves blood flow, reduces stress, and balances hormones.

Q2: Does acupuncture help with low testosterone?

Yes. While not a replacement for hormone therapy, it supports natural regulation and improves stamina.

Q3: Can acupuncture boost physical performance?

Yes. It reduces recovery time, improves circulation, and boosts endurance.

Q4: How does acupuncture support cardiovascular health?

It regulates blood pressure, lowers stress, and supports vascular function.

Q5: Can acupuncture help with male fertility?

Yes. It improves sperm quality, motility, and overall reproductive health.

Q6: Can acupuncture treat stress and burnout in men?

Yes. It restores balance, calms anxiety, and boosts energy.

Q7: Does acupuncture strengthen the immune system in men?

Yes. It enhances immunity, helping prevent illness and improve resilience.

Q1: What is the GI-MAP test?

It’s a stool test that detects infections, imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation.

Q2: Can acupuncture improve digestion?

Yes. It reduces bloating, reflux, constipation, diarrhea, and IBS symptoms.

Q3: How does gut health affect the brain and mood?

The gut-brain axis links digestion to mental health. Imbalances contribute to anxiety, depression, and brain fog.

Q4: What chronic illnesses are tied to poor gut health?

Autoimmunity, fatigue, skin problems, allergies, and metabolic disorders often begin in the gut.

Q5: Do you offer food sensitivity testing?

Yes. We test for food and environmental allergens to guide dietary changes.

Q6: Can acupuncture help with leaky gut?

Yes. It reduces inflammation and supports gut lining repair.

Q7: Can acupuncture help with weight management through gut balance?

Yes. Restoring microbiome balance can support metabolism and weight goals.

Q1: Can acupuncture help with long-COVID recovery?

Yes. It improves fatigue, brain fog, chest pressure, and sleep issues.

Q2: How does acupuncture support immunity?

It boosts white blood cells, regulates overactive responses, and lowers inflammation.

Q3: Can acupuncture help autoimmune conditions?

Yes. It reduces flares and inflammation in Hashimoto’s, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Q4: Is acupuncture effective for allergies?

Yes. It reduces sinus congestion, sneezing, and seasonal allergy symptoms.

Q5: Can acupuncture be used for immune prevention?

Yes. Many patients use it seasonally to strengthen resilience.

Q6: How does acupuncture support energy during chronic illness?

It improves mitochondrial function, circulation, and energy regulation.

Q7: Can acupuncture help with frequent colds or infections?

Yes. It strengthens immune defenses and reduces susceptibility.

Q1: Can acupuncture really help with seasonal allergies?

Yes. It regulates immune responses and reduces common symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.

Q2: How many treatments are needed for allergy relief?

Many patients notice improvement within 4–6 sessions, with seasonal maintenance recommended.

Q3: Can acupuncture help chronic sinusitis?

Yes. It reduces sinus inflammation, pressure, and recurrence of infections.

Q4: Can acupuncture reduce the need for allergy medications?

Yes. Many patients find they can lower or stop medication once symptoms improve.

Q5: Is acupuncture safe for children with allergies?

Yes. Gentle, child-friendly acupuncture protocols can safely support kids with allergies.

Q1: How many sessions will I need for results?

Most patients notice changes after 3–5 sessions, with best results after 8–12.

Q2: Is facial acupuncture painful?

No. The needles are very fine, and most patients find treatments relaxing.

Q3: How long do results last?

With maintenance sessions (every 4–6 weeks), improvements can be long-lasting.

Q4: Can facial acupuncture help with acne or rosacea?

Yes. It reduces inflammation, balances hormones, and promotes clearer skin.

Q5: Is it safe?

Yes. Facial acupuncture is minimally invasive, safe for most patients, and performed with sterile, disposable needles.