What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective treatment for a wide variety of health concerns. It supports both acute and chronic conditions by reducing pain, improving circulation, calming the nervous system, and restoring balance throughout the body.

Below are some of the conditions acupuncture can help with:

Pain & Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches & migraines
• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Sciatica
• Shoulder pain
• Tennis elbow
• Wrist pain

Digestive & Gastrointestinal Issues

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Colitis
• Digestive trouble
• Indigestion
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Nausea & vomiting
• Morning sickness

Respiratory & Immune Conditions

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Common cold
• Pneumonia
• Rhinitis
• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Tonsillitis

Neurological & Nerve-Related Conditions

• Dizziness
• Facial palsy
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Hiccough

Women’s Health & Reproductive Support

• Fertility support
• Menopause symptoms
• Menstrual irregularities
• PMS
• Reproductive issues

Mental & Emotional Health

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotional stress
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Fatigue & chronic fatigue

Urinary & Kidney Health

• Incontinence
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Adrenal Fatigue

Other Common Conditions

• Addiction support
• Dental pain
• Eye conditions
• Gingivitis
• Smoking cessation
• Sleep disturbances
• Stress

How Are Acupuncturists Educated?

Licensed acupuncturists complete extensive medical training before they are allowed to practice. In the United States, the pathway typically includes the following:

Graduate-Level Medical Education

Acupuncturists complete a 3–4 year Master’s or Doctorate program in Acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine. These programs include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Neuroanatomy and pain physiology
• Western medical pathology
• Orthopedic assessment
• Clean Needle Technique
• Acupuncture theory and clinical methods
• Herbal medicine (varies by program)

Most programs include 2,000–3,000 hours of combined classroom and clinical training.

Supervised Clinical Internships

Students complete hundreds of hours of supervised clinical practice where they learn:

• Diagnosis and treatment planning
• Safe and precise needle insertion
• Electro-acupuncture
• Manual therapy techniques
• Corrective exercise instruction (program-dependent)

National Board Examinations

Most states require passing the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) board exams in:

• Acupuncture
• Biomedicine
• Foundations of Oriental Medicine
• Herbal medicine (if applicable)

State Licensure

After passing national board exams, practitioners apply for a state license and must complete ongoing continuing education to maintain licensure and stay up-to-date with modern clinical research and safety standards.

Training at Big Easy Acupuncture

Glenn Braud, L.Ac., has advanced training in:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Sports Medicine Acupuncture
• EXSTORE orthopedic assessment
• Electro-acupuncture
• Manual therapy
• Anatomy-based needling for pain, mobility, and strength issues

Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed, properly trained practitioner. At Big Easy Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine:

• We use sterile, single-use, disposable needles for every patient.
• Clean Needle Technique is followed strictly to prevent infection.
• Treatments are tailored to your condition, medical history, and comfort level.
• Most people feel relaxed during treatment, with only mild sensations such as warmth, heaviness, or a quick pinch when the needle is inserted.
• Side effects are typically minimal and may include slight soreness, light bruising, or temporary fatigue—all of which usually resolve quickly.

Acupuncture is a non-pharmaceutical, low-risk therapy that has been safely used for thousands of years and is supported by modern clinical research for conditions involving pain, stress, sleep, digestive issues, and more.

If you ever feel unsure about anything, you can ask questions at any time—we want you to feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout your care.

• Write down any questions you have.
Bring them with you—we’re here to help and want you to feel fully prepared.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
This allows easy access to areas we may treat, such as arms, legs, shoulders, or back.

• Avoid large meals right before or after your visit.
A light snack is fine, but being overly full may make you uncomfortable during treatment.

• Take it easy after your session.
Try to avoid heavy workouts, strenuous activity, alcohol, or recreational drugs for at least 6 hours afterward.

• Reduce stress when possible.
Give yourself time to relax before and after your visit. Adequate rest helps your body respond more effectively to treatment.

• Track any changes between visits.
Note improvements, changes in pain (including pain that shifts locations), changes in sleep, stress levels, digestion, mobility, or anything else you notice. These details help us fine-tune your treatment plan.