Acupuncture may be one of the most controversial alternative medicine treatments of our time. Research is totally conflicted; some people claim acupuncture can cure literally ANY ailment, while others claim it's pseudoscience and absolute quackery. Despite the inconsistent information circling the web, my physical therapist recommended acupuncture and I tried it out. My PT personally used acupuncture to combat insomnia, while I sought it for TMJD and neck pain as a result of poor computer posture. I can honestly say that I feel significant relief after I receive my acupuncture treatments. Similar to getting a massage or going to the chiropractor, I leave feeling completely blissed out and relaxed.

So what exactly is acupuncture? How does it work - or rather, how is it supposed to work?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that seeks to restore the proper qi ("vital energy flow") to the body in order to maintain health. Illnesses are said to arise when the qi is out of balance. The insertion of needles into specific points on the body is supposed to heal blockages and repair energy flow. Whether or not our ailments are truly caused by disrupted qi, research shows acupuncture does improve certain conditions, including chronic lower back pain, neck pain, tension headaches, migraines, and osteoarthritis/knee pain. And those are just the conditions that have been studied! Patients seek acupuncture to treat issues ranging from insomnia to infertility to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Research is ongoing, but it can't hurt to try, considering there are very few, if any, negative side effects.

What should you expect during an appointment?

Generally, an appointment will begin with a full health assessment. The practitioner will analyze your symptoms/concerns and create a treatment plan catered to your specific needs. Different acupuncturists may use different techniques, so experiences will vary from place to place. After the assessment comes the needles. At my first appointment, I was apprehensive that they would hurt and I wouldn't be able to follow through with the session. Much to my surprise, you can barely feel the needles. Once they're inserted, they are left for anywhere from 20-45 minutes to "do their thing." The entire session was painless. In fact, it was pretty enjoyable!

Most importantly, where can you try it in Hoboken?

If you suffer from chronic pain, or are interested in general health maintenance, I would highly recommend booking an appointment and seeing what acupuncture is all about. Below are a few options to consider, although there are plenty of other acupuncturists in Hoboken!

1. Acupuncture Atelier, 1321 Washington St #2b

This facility offers acupuncture, Reiki therapy, and cupping, along with the use of essential oils. They also accept insurance!

2. Hoboken Integrated Health Care, 91 Washington Street

Offers acupuncture treatment & accepts insurance.

3. Ariele's Apothecary, 106 4th Street

Offers acupuncture treatment. According to the website, your acupuncturist will evaluate your health and create "an integrative treatment plan that encompasses lifestyle, diet, exercise, herbal remedies and, of course, acupuncture."

4. Sports Acupuncture & Family Wellness, 36-42 Newark Street, #203

This facility uses acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion and essential oils to treat a variety of conditions. Accepts insurance!

5. Urban Buddha, 117 Washington St, Suite 2

Acupuncture, cupping, GuaSha (used for muscle pain), and biodynamic craniosacral therapy are offered here. Insurance is accepted.

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(Ps. Don't forget to check Groupon for promos and deals!)

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