Acupuncture

Gentle, thoughtful care for the whole family

At Ashland Family Acupuncture, acupuncture is used to help the body regulate pain, stress, and healing by working directly with the nervous system.

Acupuncture has been practiced safely for thousands of years, and modern research continues to support its use for pain, headaches, digestive issues, stress, and many chronic conditions. Our approach combines the wisdom of traditional acupuncture with a modern understanding of how the nervous system responds to stimulation.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves placing very thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body. These points communicate with the nervous system, helping the body shift out of pain or stress patterns and into a more balanced state.

Acupuncture can help:

Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve blood circulation
Calm an overactive nervous system by stimulating the body’s “rest and digest” function as opposed to the “fight or flight” stress induced function
Support the body’s natural healing response by balancing hormones and regulating the immune system

Most people find acupuncture relaxing, and many notice changes within the first few treatments.

How we practice acupuncture

Not all acupuncture is practiced the same way.

Our treatments are:

Gentle and intentional
Based on how your nervous system responds
Designed to avoid overstimulation
Adjusted over time as your body changes

We focus on using the least amount of stimulation necessary to support healing.

Electroacupuncture: used when additional support is helpful

In some situations, we may recommend electroacupuncture as an addition to traditional acupuncture.

Electroacupuncture uses acupuncture needles placed at specific points, which are then connected to a specialized medical device that delivers a very gentle, controlled electrical signal between the needles.

This signal is:

Extremely low and safe
Carefully adjusted for comfort
Continuous rather than momentary

How is electroacupuncture different from regular acupuncture?

Traditional acupuncture relies on brief, manual stimulation of needles. For many people and conditions, this is more than sufficient.

Electroacupuncture:

Provides continuous stimulation
Allows precise control of frequency and intensity
Can help the nervous system respond more consistently
May produce longer-lasting relief in certain cases

You can think of it this way:

Manual acupuncture gently nudges the nervous system. Electroacupuncture offers added support when a clearer signal is needed.

When electroacupuncture may be useful

Electroacupuncture is sometimes helpful when:

Pain has been present for a long time
Symptoms involve the nervous system
Progress has slowed or plateaued
Pain is widespread, persistent, or difficult to pinpoint

Many people experience deeper relief without stronger sensation.

Does electroacupuncture hurt?

No. Most patients describe the sensation as:

A gentle pulsing
A mild tapping
A feeling of warmth or heaviness

The goal is clarity, not intensity. Stronger stimulation does not mean better results.

Why fewer needles are often used

When electroacupuncture is used, we often work with fewer needles, not more.

Using fewer needles allows:

A cleaner signal to the nervous system
Less sensory overload
Better regulation rather than overstimulation

This approach is especially supportive for people with chronic pain, anxiety, fatigue, or nervous system sensitivity.

Is electroacupuncture safe?

Yes. Electroacupuncture has been used safely in clinics and hospitals around the world for decades.

The devices we use are designed specifically for acupuncture and allow for:

Very low current
Precise control
Gentle, predictable stimulation

Electroacupuncture is not the same as household electrical stimulation devices.

Do I need electroacupuncture?

Not everyone does.

Many patients respond beautifully to traditional acupuncture alone. Some benefit from electroacupuncture temporarily, and very few need it long-term.

If traditional acupuncture is working well, we stay with it. We decide together what approach makes the most sense for your body and your goals.

What to expect

Your first visit includes time to understand your history, symptoms, and goals. Treatments are tailored to your body’s response and adjusted as healing progresses.

We welcome questions and believe care works best when you feel informed, supported, and safe.