Why Acupuncture?

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an evidence-informed therapeutic approach rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been studied extensively in clinical research.

Fine, sterile needles are gently inserted into specific acupuncture points to influence the nervous system, circulation, immune modulation, and endogenous regulatory processes. Research suggests acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, regulate inflammatory pathways, and support parasympathetic (rest-and-repair) activation.

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What Can Acupuncture Help With?

Clinical research shows acupuncture may be particularly effective for:

• Musculoskeletal pain (back, neck, shoulder, osteoarthritis)

• Headache disorders, including migraine and tension headaches

• Postoperative pain

• Nausea and vomiting (including chemotherapy-related)

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis

Emerging research suggests acupuncture may also improve:

• Sleep quality and insomnia

• Stress regulation

• Anxiety symptoms

• Menstrual discomfort

It is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner and is well tolerated with minimal side effects.

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The Research Perspective

While there is a growing body of supportive evidence, researching Traditional Chinese Medicine within a Western scientific model presents challenges.

Western clinical trials typically require standardisation — meaning the same diagnosis and identical treatment protocol for every participant. In contrast, TCM is inherently individualised. Two patients with the same Western diagnosis (for example, migraine) may receive completely different treatments depending on their underlying pattern of imbalance. This makes it difficult to design studies that accurately reflect real-world practice while meeting strict research criteria.

Blinding and placebo control also pose difficulties. In drug trials, a sugar pill can act as an inert placebo. In acupuncture research, “sham” needling may still create physiological effects, making it challenging to establish a truly inactive comparison group.

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Additionally, TCM aims to restore systemic balance rather than treat isolated symptoms. Outcomes such as improved energy, emotional regulation, or overall wellbeing are more complex to measure than single, symptom-based endpoints.

For these reasons, while acupuncture is supported in many clinical guidelines — particularly for pain and migraine prevention — its full scope of therapeutic effects may not always be fully captured within conventional research models.

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What to expect during a session?

A standard consultation takes 1 hour and begins with an intake consult, to assess the situation and to determine the diagnosis and treatment plan. After this talk, you get to lie on the table and the treatment starts. The needles, together with the way the space is held, according to the need or preference, sound, body work and guided meditation may be implemented in a treatment.

 

The insertion of needles is painless, though you may expect to feel a tingling, warm, buzzing, dull, achy or weird feeling. 

If applicable, the acupuncture treatment may also include gua sha, cupping, moxa (moxibustion), 

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At Flow to Grow

At Flow to Grow, we recognise that regulation and relaxation lie at the foundation of healing. Acupuncture sessions may be complemented by grounding bodywork or sound immersion to support deeper nervous system restoration, allowing the body to shift into a state where healing can unfold naturally.