Dr Wise - top Naperville Acupuncturist answers top 10 acupuncture questions

Top 10 Acupuncture Questions Answered by an Experienced Naperville Acupuncturist

If you’ve been thinking about trying acupuncture but haven’t pulled the trigger yet, I get it. You’ve probably got questions — maybe a lot of them. Does it hurt? Does it actually work? What’s with all the needles?

I’m Dr. Jennifer Wise, and I’ve been practicing acupuncture in Naperville for over 26 years. I’m also a Doctor of Chiropractic, which gives me a perspective on acupuncture that most acupuncturists don’t have — I understand the structural side of pain and the neurological side. That dual training shapes how I use acupuncture and why my approach often gets results when other treatments haven’t.

Here’s the thing: most of the acupuncture information online reads like it was copied from the same textbook. You get the same vague explanation about “energy flow” and “balance,” and you leave with more questions than you started with.

I want to change that. Below are the 10 questions I hear most often from patients walking through my door here at Synergy — answered the way I’d answer them if you were sitting across from me in my office.

What You Should Know The Details
How old is acupuncture? Over 2,500 years of documented clinical use
Does it hurt? Most patients feel little to nothing
Needle thickness About the width of two human hairs
Session length 30–60 minutes (first visit is longer)
Conditions treated Pain, headaches, neuropathy, stress, digestive issues, and more
Insurance Many Illinois plans now cover acupuncture
Safety record Extremely safe when performed by a trained practitioner
Dr. Wise’s experience 26+ years, Palmer Graduate, DC + Acupuncturist

1. Does Acupuncture Hurt?

This is the number one question I hear, and I completely understand why. The word “needle” triggers an immediate response — nobody wants to be poked.

But acupuncture needles are nothing like the needles you’re picturing. A hypodermic needle — the kind used for injections or blood draws — is hollow and relatively thick. An acupuncture needle is solid, flexible, and incredibly thin. We’re talking about the width of two human hairs. You could fit 15 to 20 acupuncture needles inside a single hypodermic needle.

What do patients actually feel? Most describe a mild sensation at the moment of insertion — a tiny tap, a brief warmth, or sometimes nothing at all. Once the needles are placed, many patients feel a pleasant heaviness or gentle tingling at certain points. That sensation is actually a good sign — it means the needle is activating the acupuncture point.

Here’s what I tell my patients: if you can handle a mosquito landing on your arm, you can handle acupuncture. In fact, most of my patients are so relaxed during treatment that they fall asleep on the table. I’m not exaggerating — it happens almost every session.

If you’re particularly nervous about needles, let me know before we start. I can adjust my technique, use even finer needles, or start with just a few points so you can see how it feels before we do a full session.

2. How Does Acupuncture Actually Work?

This is where I’m going to give you a different answer than most acupuncturists.

The traditional explanation is that acupuncture restores the flow of qi (pronounced “chee”) — your body’s vital energy — through pathways called meridians. When qi gets blocked or disrupted, you experience pain, illness, or dysfunction. Acupuncture removes those blockages and restores balance.

That explanation has merit, and it’s guided effective treatment for over 2,500 years. But after 26 years of clinical practice — and as someone who also holds a doctorate in chiropractic — I think about acupuncture through a more modern lens.

Your body is an electrical system. Your nerves transmit electrical signals. Your muscles contract in response to electrical impulses. Every cell in your body maintains an electrical charge — a voltage — that determines whether it functions properly or not.

Acupuncture works by modulating that electrical signaling. When I place a needle at a specific point, it stimulates local nerve fibers, which send signals to the brain and spinal cord. This triggers several measurable responses: your body releases endorphins (natural painkillers), increases blood flow to the area, reduces inflammatory markers, and regulates your nervous system — shifting you from a stressed “fight or flight” state into a calmer “rest and repair” mode.

Research published in journals like JAMA and the Cochrane Database has confirmed that acupuncture produces real, measurable physiological changes. This isn’t placebo. Brain imaging studies show that acupuncture activates specific regions of the brain involved in pain processing and emotional regulation.

The bottom line? Whether you prefer the traditional explanation or the modern one, the results are the same — and they’re backed by thousands of years of clinical use and decades of modern research.

3. What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?

More than most people realize. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for over 30 conditions, and the list keeps growing as more research comes in.

Here’s what I treat most frequently at our clinic in Naperville:

Pain conditions:

Neurological conditions:

Other conditions:

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Insomnia and sleep problems
  • Digestive issues
  • Fertility support
  • Post-surgical recovery

Here’s what I want you to understand: acupuncture isn’t a one-trick treatment. It works through multiple mechanisms — reducing inflammation, improving circulation, regulating nerve function, and triggering your body’s own healing response. That’s why it’s effective for such a wide range of conditions.

That said, I’m always honest with patients. If acupuncture isn’t the right fit for your specific condition, I’ll tell you directly and point you toward something that will help.

4. Is Acupuncture Safe? Are There Side Effects?

Acupuncture is one of the safest treatments available — and that’s not just my opinion, it’s backed by extensive research and recognized by major medical organizations worldwide. In over 26 years of practicing acupuncture in Naperville, I’ve never had a patient experience a serious adverse event.

Every needle I use is sterile, single-use, and disposable. There’s no reuse, no shared equipment. Each needle comes individually packaged and goes straight into a medical sharps container after treatment.

The most common side effects are mild and temporary: occasional light bruising at a needle site, brief fatigue after treatment (your body is doing repair work), or feeling extra relaxed — which most patients consider a benefit, not a side effect.

Serious complications from acupuncture are extremely rare when you see a properly trained practitioner. That’s an important distinction. The safety of acupuncture depends heavily on who’s performing it. A weekend certification course is not the same as years of dedicated acupuncture training on top of a doctoral degree.

A few things I always ask about before treatment:

  • Are you taking blood thinners? (I may adjust needle placement)
  • Do you have a pacemaker? (Electroacupuncture may not be appropriate)
  • Are you pregnant? (Certain acupuncture points are avoided during pregnancy)

These aren’t reasons to skip acupuncture — they’re reasons to see someone experienced enough to adjust the treatment to your situation.

5. What Does an Acupuncture Session Look Like?

If you’ve never had acupuncture, here’s exactly what to expect when you come to our Naperville office.

Your first visit (about 60 minutes):

I start with a thorough health history and conversation. I want to know what brought you in, what you’ve already tried, what makes your symptoms better or worse, and what your goals are. Because I’m also a chiropractor, I often identify structural issues that other acupuncturists might miss — and that affects which acupuncture points I choose.

After the consultation, I’ll explain my treatment plan, including which points I’ll be using and why. Then you’ll lie comfortably on a treatment table while I place the needles. Most patients need anywhere from 8 to 20 needles per session, depending on the condition.

During treatment (20–30 minutes):

Once the needles are in, you rest. The lights dim, and most patients drift into a deeply relaxed state. Some fall asleep. This isn’t just downtime — your body is actively responding to the needles, releasing endorphins, increasing circulation, and reducing inflammation.

After treatment:

I remove the needles (this takes about a minute) and we discuss how you’re feeling and what to expect over the next few days. Many patients feel noticeably better immediately. Others notice gradual improvement over 24 to 48 hours.

I recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. Avoid heavy meals or caffeine right before treatment — you want your body in a calm, receptive state.

6. How Many Sessions Will I Need?

This depends entirely on what we’re treating, how long you’ve had the condition, and how your body responds.

Here’s a general guide based on what I see in my Naperville practice:

Acute conditions (recent onset, like a new muscle strain or tension headache): 2–4 sessions may be enough. Some patients get significant relief after just one visit.

Chronic conditions (ongoing for months or years, like chronic pain, recurring migraines, or long-standing back pain): Typically 8–12 sessions, often starting at twice weekly, then tapering to once a week as symptoms improve.

Maintenance care (keeping symptoms from returning): Many patients come in once or twice a month once their condition has stabilized. Think of it like going to the dentist — prevention is easier than treatment.

I’ll give you an honest timeline at your first visit. If I think three sessions will do it, I’ll tell you three. If I think you need more, I’ll explain why. And if I don’t think acupuncture is the right approach for your condition, I’ll tell you that too — and help you find what will work.

7. What’s the Difference Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?

This is one of the most common points of confusion I encounter, and it matters more than most people realize.

Acupuncture is a complete medical system with over 2,500 years of clinical development. It’s based on detailed maps of the body’s neurological and meridian systems, and it’s designed to treat the whole person — not just a single muscle. Acupuncturists complete years of specialized training in diagnosis, point selection, and treatment planning.

Dry needling is a technique where needles are inserted into muscle trigger points (knots) to release tension. It’s often performed by physical therapists or chiropractors with much less needle training — sometimes as little as a weekend course or a few dozen hours of continuing education.

Here’s the key difference: dry needling targets muscles. Acupuncture targets the nervous system, the circulatory system, the inflammatory response, AND muscles — simultaneously. When I place a needle, I’m not just releasing a knot. I’m activating a neurological cascade that affects pain signaling, blood flow, and healing throughout the body.

Both have their place. But if you’re dealing with a complex or chronic condition, acupuncture’s broader scope gives it a significant advantage.

8. What Is Electroacupuncture — and Should I Try It?

Electroacupuncture is something we offer here at Synergy that most acupuncture clinics in the Naperville area don’t.

It works exactly like traditional acupuncture, but with one addition: after the needles are placed, I attach small clips that deliver a gentle, pulsing electrical current between pairs of needles. The current is very mild — most patients describe it as a light tapping or buzzing sensation. It’s not painful.

Why add electricity? Because it amplifies the effects of acupuncture. The electrical stimulation:

  • Increases endorphin release beyond what needles alone achieve
  • Stimulates nerve regeneration in damaged nerves
  • Reduces inflammation more aggressively
  • Helps with stubborn conditions that haven’t responded to traditional acupuncture alone

I find electroacupuncture particularly effective for nerve-related conditions like neuropathy, sciatica, and post-surgical pain. It’s also excellent for chronic pain conditions where the nervous system has become “stuck” in a pain cycle.

Not every patient needs electroacupuncture, and not every session requires it. I use it when the condition warrants the extra stimulation. If you have a pacemaker, electroacupuncture isn’t appropriate — but traditional acupuncture absolutely is.

9. Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

The good news: more insurance plans cover acupuncture now than ever before. For Naperville-area patients, many major carriers — including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Cigna — offer some level of acupuncture coverage, particularly for chronic pain conditions.

Here’s what I recommend:

  1. Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask: “Does my plan cover acupuncture?” Get specifics — how many visits per year, whether you need a referral, and what your copay will be.
  2. Ask about out-of-network benefits. Even if we’re not in your plan’s network, you may have out-of-network coverage that reimburses a significant portion of the cost.
  3. Check your HSA or FSA. Acupuncture is an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts, regardless of whether your insurance covers it.

For patients paying out of pocket, acupuncture at our clinic is very affordable. I’d rather talk specifics with you directly — call or text us at (630) 454-1300 and we can give you exact pricing.

The real question isn’t whether you can afford acupuncture. It’s whether you can afford to keep dealing with pain that’s affecting your daily life, your sleep, and your ability to do the things you love.

10. How Do I Choose the Right Acupuncturist?

Not all acupuncturists are created equal, and choosing the right one can make the difference between “acupuncture doesn’t work” and “why didn’t I try this sooner?” If you’re searching for an acupuncturist in Naperville or the surrounding suburbs, here’s what I’d look for:

Training and credentials. Ask how many hours of acupuncture training your provider has completed. A Doctor of Acupuncture or someone with a Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has thousands of hours of specialized training. Someone who took a weekend course and added acupuncture to their practice? That’s a very different level of expertise.

Experience with your specific condition. Not every acupuncturist treats every condition the same way. If you’re dealing with sciatica, you want someone who understands spinal nerve compression — not just someone who knows where to place needles.

A diagnostic approach. Your acupuncturist should spend time understanding your full health picture before placing a single needle. If someone starts needling you without a thorough evaluation, that’s a red flag.

Willingness to be honest. If your acupuncturist tells you they can fix everything, be cautious. A good practitioner will tell you when acupuncture is the right tool — and when it’s not.

Why Having a Dual-Credential Provider Matters

Here’s something most people don’t think about when choosing an acupuncturist: can your acupuncturist diagnose what’s actually causing your pain?

Most acupuncturists are trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine. They’re excellent at what they do. But they’re not trained to read an MRI, evaluate spinal alignment, or identify a disc herniation that’s compressing a nerve root.

I am. As both a Doctor of Chiropractic and an Acupuncturist, I bring a diagnostic depth to acupuncture that changes how I treat. When a patient comes in with shoulder pain, I don’t just treat the shoulder. I evaluate whether the pain is coming from the shoulder itself, the cervical spine, a rotator cuff issue, or a nerve problem. That diagnosis determines which acupuncture points I select, whether I add electroacupuncture, and whether you also need chiropractic care, spinal decompression, or another treatment to address the root cause.

This is what I call treatment matching — finding the right combination of treatments for your specific condition rather than applying the same protocol to every patient. It’s the reason patients come to us after other treatments have failed. Single-modality clinics can only offer one solution. We match the treatment to the problem.

If I don’t think we can help you, I’ll tell you directly — and I’ll refer you to someone who can. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just honest answers.

More Acupuncture Questions? Here Are Quick Answers

These are additional questions I hear regularly from patients in Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, and the surrounding communities.

Can acupuncture help with anxiety and stress?

Yes. Acupuncture is well-researched for stress and anxiety relief. It works by regulating the nervous system — specifically, shifting your body from a sympathetic (“fight or flight”) state to a parasympathetic (“rest and repair”) state. Many patients report feeling significantly calmer after even one session. I often combine acupuncture with specific points that influence serotonin and cortisol levels for patients dealing with chronic stress.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?

Acupuncture can be very helpful during pregnancy for conditions like lower back pain, nausea, and headaches. However, certain acupuncture points must be avoided because they can stimulate uterine contractions. This is why it’s essential to see an experienced acupuncturist who knows which points are safe at each stage of pregnancy.

How soon will I feel results?

Many patients notice improvement after their first session — reduced pain, better sleep, or feeling more relaxed. For chronic conditions, meaningful improvement typically occurs within 4–6 sessions. If you haven’t noticed any change after 3–4 sessions, I’ll reassess and adjust the treatment plan or recommend a different approach entirely.

Can I get acupuncture if I’m taking medication?

Absolutely. Acupuncture works alongside virtually all medications without interactions. In fact, many patients find that acupuncture allows them to reduce their reliance on pain medications over time — under their prescribing doctor’s guidance, of course. If you’re taking blood thinners, just let me know so I can adjust needle placement.

What’s the difference between acupuncture and acupressure?

Acupressure uses finger pressure on the same points that acupuncture uses needles on. Think of it as acupuncture’s gentler cousin. Acupressure can be helpful for mild symptoms and is something I sometimes teach patients to do at home between visits. But for treating pain conditions and chronic issues, acupuncture is significantly more effective because the needle penetration creates a stronger neurological response.

Does acupuncture work for children?

Yes, and children often respond faster than adults. For younger children who may be nervous about needles, I can use techniques like acupressure or very brief needle contact. Older kids and teenagers typically tolerate acupuncture well and are often surprised by how little they feel.

Acupuncture questions don’t have to keep you on the sidelines. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or just curious about what acupuncture can do for your health, the best next step is a conversation with an experienced Naperville acupuncturist.

At Synergy Institute in Naperville, Dr. Jennifer Wise and our team have helped thousands of patients find lasting relief through our integrative approach. If I don’t think we can help you, I’ll tell you directly — and help you find someone who can.

Call or text (630) 454-1300 to schedule your consultation, or call (630) 355-8022.

What to expect at your first visit:

  • Complete evaluation of your condition
  • Thorough health history and diagnostic assessment
  • Honest assessment of your treatment options
  • Same-day treatment if appropriate

Synergy Institute Acupuncture & Chiropractic 4931 Illinois Route 59, Suite 121 Naperville, IL 60564

Serving Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Oswego, and surrounding communities.

References

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  2. World Health Organization. Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials. WHO. 2002. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/42414
  3. National Institutes of Health. Acupuncture: What You Need to Know. NCCIH. 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know
  4. Zhao ZQ. Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Progress in Neurobiology. 2008;85(4):355-375. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18582529/
  5. MacPherson H, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain and depression in primary care: a programme of research. Programme Grants for Applied Research. 2017;5(3). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28211660/
  6. Linde K, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016;(6). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27351677/
  7. McDonald JL, et al. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture and Their Relevance to Allergic Rhinitis: A Narrative Review and Proposed Model. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23762142/
  8. Manheimer E, et al. Acupuncture for peripheral joint osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010;(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20091527/
  9. Liu S, et al. Acupuncture activates the hypothalamus and brainstem to regulate autonomic function. Autonomic Neuroscience. 2021;236:102893. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34742020/
  10. Ernst E, White AR. Prospective studies of the safety of acupuncture: a systematic review. American Journal of Medicine. 2001;110(6):481-485. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11331060/

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions. Individual results may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

Last reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Wise, DC — February 2026

Call Synergy Institute today at 630-355-8022 for A FREE Naperville Acupuncture Consultation.