Busting the Biggest Myths About Acupuncture (No, It’s Not Just for Pain Relief!)
Acupuncture is having a moment. You’ve probably heard someone say “You should try acupuncture!” for everything from tight shoulders to sleep issues. And while that’s great news, there are still a lot of misconceptions floating around about what acupuncture actually is — and isn’t.
As a Doctor of Acupuncture and someone who's trained extensively in both Western and Eastern health systems, I thought it was time to clear the air on a few of the biggest myths. Let’s bust ‘em.
Myth #1: Acupuncture is just for muscle tension and pain
This is probably the most common misconception I hear. While acupuncture is incredibly effective for musculoskeletal pain (hello, tight traps and low back pain), it's just the tip of the iceberg.
Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine that’s been around for thousands of years, designed to support the entire body — not just your sore neck. I regularly treat patients for:
Digestive issues like bloating and IBS
Sleep problems and fatigue
Anxiety and emotional regulation
Men’s health concerns
Hormonal imbalances
Migraines and headaches
And the list goes on. If it’s part of your body, chances are acupuncture can support it
Myth #2: Acupuncture is painful
This one always makes me smile — because most of my first-timers walk in nervous and walk out saying, “Wait… that was it?”
Acupuncture needles are nothing like hypodermic needles used for shots or blood draws. They’re about the width of a human hair — most people barely feel them go in. Some points might feel a little tingly, warm, or heavy — that’s the Qi moving — but painful? Not at all.
Most patients actually fall asleep during treatment. (Yes, I take it as a compliment.)
Myth #3: Acupuncture is mystical, magical voodoo
Look, I get it — words like “Qi” and “meridians” can sound a little out-there if you're used to Western medical lingo. But let’s not forget: every culture has its own medical language. The way we describe energy flow in Traditional Chinese Medicine is just that — a language used to understand patterns in the body.
And here's the kicker: a growing body of research is catching up to what acupuncturists have known for centuries. From modulating the nervous system to reducing inflammation and promoting circulation, acupuncture’s effects are measurable and well-documented in scientific literature. (It’s even endorsed by the World Health Organization.)
Myth #4: Becoming an acupuncturist is easy — it’s just a weekend course, right?
Not quite. In Canada, becoming a Doctor of Acupuncture involves years of post-secondary education. I completed an undergraduate degree in Health & Aging, followed by what is essentially a master’s-level program in Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture.
To practice, I had to complete 1440 hours of theoretical instruction and 650 hours of clinical instruction and/or practical experience. Then I had to pass rigorous national board exams and register with a provincial regulatory body (in my case, the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta). It’s a highly skilled profession rooted in both science and tradition — not something you pick up over a couple weekends.
The Bottom Line?
Acupuncture isn’t just about pain relief. It’s a full-spectrum, evidence-informed system of medicine that can support your body through all kinds of health challenges — with minimal side effects, personalized care, and a whole lot of relaxation.
Curious if acupuncture is right for your specific concern? Book a consult or reach out — I’m happy to help you figure out what’s going on beneath the surface.
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