Will Acupuncture help with anxiety or depression?

Acupuncture can be effective in helping manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing response, releasing endorphins and other neurotransmitters that positively affect mood and stress levels. By targeting specific points, acupuncture aims to balance the body's energy, reduce tension, and promote relaxation, contributing to an overall sense of well-being. Many find it a beneficial complement to conventional therapies for anxiety and depression.

Why do Acupuncturists look at my tongue?

Acupuncturists look at your tongue as part of a traditional Chinese medicine diagnostic process. The tongue's color, coating, shape, and moisture level provide insights into your body's health and the state of your internal organs. This practice helps them understand imbalances in the body and guide the treatment plan. The tongue is considered a map to your well-being, reflecting the overall harmony or disharmony of your Qi (vital energy).

Where do Acupuncture needles go?

Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points or acupoints, which are located along meridians or pathways believed to be the channels for the flow of Qi, or vital energy. The selection of points is tailored to each individual's condition and health needs. These points can be located all over the body, including the back, limbs, head, and ears, depending on the symptoms or disorders being treated.

Is Acupuncture ok during pregnancy?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe during pregnancy when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. It can help manage common pregnancy-related issues such as nausea, vomiting, back pain, and stress. However, certain acupuncture points are avoided as they may stimulate labor. It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider before starting acupuncture and ensure the acupuncturist is informed about your pregnancy and has experience in treating pregnant women.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture typically does not hurt. Most people experience minimal to no pain as the thin needles are inserted. Some may feel a slight pinch, tingling, warmth, or a dull ache at the insertion points, sensations often described as momentary and mild. The procedure is generally considered relaxing and even energizing. The skill of the acupuncturist and the individual's sensitivity level can influence the overall experience, but significant pain is uncommon.

What does Acupuncture do to your body?

Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body, prompting the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being. It can increase circulation, reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and enhance the immune system. Essentially, acupuncture helps to restore balance and flow of energy in the body, leading to improved health and function.

What can Acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions including chronic pain (like headaches, back pain, neck pain), arthritis, digestive disorders, mood disturbances (such as depression and anxiety), insomnia, stress, allergies, menstrual cramps, and fertility issues. It's also used for enhancing overall well-being and managing symptoms of chronic illnesses. The effectiveness can vary among individuals, but many find relief and improvement in their symptoms through acupuncture treatments.

What does Acupuncture do?

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles at specific body points to balance the flow of Qi, the body's vital energy. It aims to promote natural healing, relieve pain, and improve function. By stimulating the body's meridians, acupuncture is used for various conditions, offering benefits like pain relief, improved circulation, and enhanced well-being.

Cupping Marks Explained: What the Colors Mean and How to Care for Them

How Long Will My Cupping Marks Last? What the Colors Mean and Why You Don’t Need to Be Scared

If you’ve ever seen round marks after a cupping session and wondered if something went wrong, you’re not alone. These marks are completely normal and actually tell us a lot about your body’s healing process. Still, they can look intense at first, and many people ask the same questions: How long will they last? What do the different colors mean? And should I be concerned?

Let’s walk through what to expect so you can feel calm, informed, and supported.

What Are Cupping Marks?

Cupping uses gentle suction to lift the skin and tissue underneath. It’s like a reverse massage. Instead of pushing into tight muscles, it pulls tissue upward, helping to release tension, increase blood flow, and move stagnation.

The circular marks that appear afterward aren’t bruises in the traditional sense. There’s no trauma. These marks show where circulation was pulled to the surface and where your body is starting to clear what has been stuck.

How Long Do Cupping Marks Last?

Most cupping marks fade within 3 to 7 days. If there was deeper stagnation or long-held muscle tension, they can stick around for up to 10 days. The marks will fade gradually, getting lighter over time.

What Do the Different Colors Mean?

Each color tells a story about what’s happening inside your body. Here’s a general breakdown:

Light pink or no color
Healthy circulation, not much stagnation. These fade within hours.
Light red
Mild tension or muscle tightness. These go away within a few days.
Dark red or purple
Deeper muscle tension, old injuries, or long-standing stress patterns. These may take a week or more to disappear.
Brown or gray
Signs of deeper stagnation or toxicity. These often suggest the body is clearing something old or stuck.

These colors are diagnostic in Chinese medicine. They help your practitioner tailor your treatments and track your progress.

Should I Be Worried?

Not at all. The marks may look dramatic, but they are temporary and safe. They’re a visible sign that your body is releasing tension and inviting circulation to flow freely again. Most people feel lighter, looser, or even deeply relaxed afterward.

Cover Your Neck — Especially If You Got Cupping There

If you received cupping on your neck or upper back, it’s important to keep the area covered and protected from cold air for the next 24 to 48 hours.

When suction is applied, the pores and channels at the surface of the skin open up. If you go out in wind or cold air with an exposed neck, you may become vulnerable to what Chinese medicine calls “wind invasion.” In Western terms, this just means you’re more likely to catch a chill or come down with a cold. So grab a scarf, wear a high collar, and keep the area warm and covered.

What Should You Do After Cupping?

Stay warm
Especially around the area where cupping was done. Cover your neck and shoulders if those areas were treated.
Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours
Let your body rest and integrate the treatment.
No hot showers or baths for a few hours
Wait until your skin returns to its normal color and temperature.
Drink water
This helps flush out anything your body is clearing.
Rest if needed
Many people feel relaxed or even sleepy after a cupping session. This is normal and a sign that your nervous system is resetting.

When to Reach Out

If your marks are painful, blister, or last longer than two weeks, contact your practitioner. These reactions are rare and usually only happen with improper technique. When done by a licensed professional, cupping is extremely safe.

Final Thoughts

Cupping is a powerful healing method that leaves temporary signs of your body doing important work. The marks may look intense, but they’re not dangerous and not a sign that anything is wrong. With proper aftercare — including keeping your neck covered if it was treated — you’ll help your body get the most benefit from your session.

Cupping can be a simple, effective way to relieve pain, release emotional tension, and support your health on a deeper level.