What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture Explained: Bringing Traditional Wisdom to Modern Science

Acupuncture is a clinically proven, non-invasive treatment that uses thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body. With a long history across diverse cultures, it has evolved into a modern, holistic therapy recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of health conditions.

At Big Easy Acupuncture in Metairie, LA, our treatments blend the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern medical understanding of Sports Medicine Acupuncture to help you reduce pain, recover from injury, and improve your overall health.

Acupuncture promotes natural healing by enhancing the body’s recuperative power, boosting immunity, and supporting both physical and emotional well-being. It’s a safe, painless, and effective option for people seeking drug-free pain relief and long-term wellness.

How Acupuncture Works

From a Modern Medical Perspective

Research shows that acupuncture:

• Stimulates the nervous system – Needle insertion activates sensory nerves, signaling the brain and spinal cord to release natural painkillers like endorphins and serotonin. Nerves that are compressed, elongated, or shortened will typically have a line of action of pain that results.
• Improves circulation – Needling increases blood flow to injured or stagnant areas, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and immune support to promote healing.
• Reduces inflammation – Acupuncture can lower inflammatory markers, easing swelling and discomfort.
• Regulates body systems – Helps balance the autonomic nervous system, reducing stress, improving sleep, and enhancing digestion.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

In TCM, acupuncture works by restoring the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the body’s vital energy through channels called meridians. Qi movement allows for blood to move fluidly and not stagnate and impure fluids and waste to move through our body and be disposed. 

When Qi is blocked, deficient, or unbalanced, it can lead to pain, fatigue, or illness. By gently inserting sterile, hair-thin needles into specific acupuncture points, we can clear blockages, nourish deficiencies, and restore balance between Yin and Yang—the complementary forces that maintain health. This process supports your body’s natural ability to heal and function optimally.

How does Qi move?

Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are fourteen main meridians inside the body. The diagram to the left shows the meridian pathways in the body. Each of these is connected to specific organs and glands.

Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants and people. Similarly, where meridian pathways flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.

How is Qi disrupted?

An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam. When Qi becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. This blockage of the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person’s health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body, organs and glands.

Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body easily bounces back, returning to a state of health and well-being. However, when this disruption is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set in.

Why Restoring Balance Matters

• Biomedical View: Poor circulation, chronic inflammation, nerve dysfunction, and muscle tension can prevent full recovery.
• TCM View: Physical trauma, stress, diet, overwork, and environmental factors can disrupt Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, weakening your body’s defenses.

Whether explained as restoring nerve communication and blood supply or harmonizing Qi flow, the goal is the same—help your body regain its natural balance, resilience, and bring it out of a state of mental/physical pain. 

Blockage of the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person’s health and leads to various signs and symptoms or health concerns.

What to Expect at Big Easy Acupuncture

Comprehensive Consultation – Your visit begins with a detailed health history and physical assessment.

• Modern assessment: Orthopedic tests, muscle strength checks, and mobility evaluation.
• TCM assessment: Pulse and tongue diagnosis, plus questions about lifestyle, digestion, and sleep patterns.

Customized Treatment – We select acupuncture points based on your condition and goals.

• Modern rationale: Targeting nerves, myofascial trigger points, and areas of poor circulation.
• TCM rationale: Balancing Qi, harmonizing organ systems, and clearing blockages along meridians.

During the Session – Most patients feel deeply relaxed—many even drift off to sleep. You may feel a mild sensation like tingling, warmth, or a gentle ache.

Conditions We Treat

At Big Easy Acupuncture in Metairie, we help patients with:

Evidence-based conditions (Western medicine):

• Back, neck, and joint pain
• Sports injuries and muscle strain
• Headaches and migraines
• Sciatica and neuropathy
• Post-surgical recovery support

Pattern-based conditions (Traditional Chinese Medicine):

• Stress, anxiety, and insomnia
• Digestive issues (IBS, bloating, acid reflux)
• Hormonal imbalances and menstrual irregularities
• Fatigue and low energy
• Seasonal allergies and immune weakness

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are safe, effective and drug-free therapies that can help address a wide variety of common ailments and problems.