What Is Acupuncture? Eastern & Western Perspectives

Acupuncture Explained: Bringing Traditional Wisdom to Modern Science

Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive medical therapy that uses very thin, sterile needles to stimulate specific points on the body. It is used to reduce pain, support recovery, and improve how the nervous system and muscles function.

While acupuncture originated thousands of years ago, modern research has helped explain how it works using current medical science. Today, acupuncture is recognized by organizations such as the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health for its role in supporting a wide range of health conditions.

At Big Easy Acupuncture in Metairie, LA, we blend Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern Sports Medicine Acupuncture and orthopedic assessment. This allows us to address pain, injury, movement limitations, and nervous system stress using both time-tested principles and evidence-informed care.

Acupuncture works by influencing the nervous system, circulation, and muscle function. Rather than forcing change, treatment supports the body’s ability to regulate, repair, and adapt. This makes acupuncture useful for both acute injuries and longer-standing conditions, as well as for people who want to move, recover, and function better over time.

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.
• Nerve compression and acupuncture: When nerves are compressed, stretched, or irritated due to muscle tension, poor posture, internal masses, scars, or injury then they can cause localized pain or radiating discomfort. Acupuncture helps relieve this pressure by relaxing surrounding muscles, improving circulation, and restoring proper nerve signaling, which can reduce pain along the affected nerve pathways.
• 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 and reduces inflammation in surrounding areas of affected tissue, 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. These are complementary forces that maintain health but also act as symbols for comparison or balance. This process supports your body’s natural ability to heal and function optimally.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine Understands Balance

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by supporting the smooth movement of Qi, or functional energy, through the body. Qi is closely linked with circulation, nerve signaling, and tissue health.

Qi travels along pathways called meridians, which connect to organ systems and influence muscles, joints, and nerves throughout the body. When this movement is steady, the body can adapt, recover, and maintain balance.

Stress, injury, overuse, poor sleep, illness, or prolonged strain can disrupt this system. When regulation breaks down, pain, fatigue, tension, or other symptoms may appear. Acupuncture helps restore balance by supporting normal communication between body systems and improving circulation to affected areas.

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. Acupuncture helps 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.

Types of Acupuncture We Use

Orthopedic Acupuncture
A movement-focused style of acupuncture that blends traditional point selection with modern orthopedic assessment and hands-on soft tissue work. It is used to support joints, muscles, and nerves when pain, injury, or movement restrictions are present.

Electroacupuncture
A type of acupuncture that applies a gentle electrical current between needles to provide consistent stimulation. It is often used to calm irritated nerves, reduce pain, and help muscles respond and recover more effectively.

Dry Needling Acupuncture
A muscle-focused form of acupuncture that targets tight or dysfunctional tissue to reduce pain and improve movement. It is commonly used when muscles are not activating properly or when range of motion is limited.

Traditional Acupuncture
A whole-body approach based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. This type of acupuncture focuses on restoring balance within the body by supporting organ systems, circulation, digestion, mood, sleep, and overall nervous system regulation. It is commonly used when symptoms involve internal medicine patterns, stress, or emotional strain rather than isolated injuries.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include traditional acupuncture, orthopedic acupuncture, electroacupuncture, or dry needling techniques.

Common Goals Of Treatment

When used individually or combined, these approaches are commonly used to support:

• Pain relief and inflammation reduction
• Muscle tension, spasms, and soft tissue injury
• Nerve irritation, compression, or sensitivity
• Joint stiffness and loss of range of motion
• Digestive function, energy levels, and immune support
• Stress, anxiety, mood regulation, and sleep quality
• Healthy mind–body balance and nervous system resilience

Treatment is always personalized. Not every condition requires every approach, and techniques are selected based on your symptoms, goals, and how your body responds.

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 nerve pathways, 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 and 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.