New to acupuncture? Let’s make it simple.
Welcome! If you’re curious about whether acupuncture can help with your health, you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll learn what acupuncture is, how it works, and the many conditions it can support. You’ll also discover why acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to restore health naturally—and why patients trust Acupuncture Heals for their care.
Still have questions about your condition?
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture is one of the primary therapies within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the most widely practiced in North America. With a history of more than 2,000 years, acupuncture is rooted in the TCM view that health depends on balance within the body’s interconnected systems.
Using very fine, sterile needles placed at specific points, acupuncture encourages your body’s own healing response. Most patients describe the treatments as deeply relaxing—like hitting a “reset button” for both body and mind.
While acupuncture is at the heart of what we do, TCM also includes complementary therapies such as cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, and herbal medicine, which may be used to enhance your results and support whole-body vitality.
How Acupuncture Works: A TCM Perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture works by restoring the smooth flow of Qi—the body’s vital energy—through pathways called meridians.
When Qi is blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to pain, illness, or other health concerns. By gently inserting fine needles at specific points, acupuncture helps rebalance energy, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support the body’s natural healing processes.
What Does Western Medicine Say?
Modern research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, promotes the release of endorphins and other natural painkillers, regulates hormones, reduces inflammation, and improves blood circulation.
Though the language differs, both Eastern and Western medicine agree: acupuncture supports the body’s natural ability to heal.
Types of Acupuncture & Needling Techniques
Not all acupuncture is the same. While the word “acupuncture” is often used broadly, there are different approaches and styles of needling. At Acupuncture Heals, we specialize in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture, which has been practiced for thousands of years and is based on restoring balance in the body’s energy systems.
Here are a few types you may hear about:
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture – The classic method, using thin, sterile needles at specific points along energy pathways (meridians) to support balance, reduce pain, and promote natural healing.
Dry Needling – Often used by physiotherapists and chiropractors, this technique targets muscle trigger points to release tension. While it uses similar tools (needles), it is not the same as TCM acupuncture and does not follow the holistic framework of meridians or whole-body balance.
Japanese Acupuncture – A gentler style that uses finer needles and shallower insertions, often preferred by sensitive patients.
Korean Hand Acupuncture (Koryo Sooji Chim) – A system focusing on the hands as a microsystem of the body.
Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture – Based on the idea that the ear reflects the entire body, tiny needles or seeds are placed at specific ear points to support stress relief, addiction recovery, and pain management.
While these approaches share the use of fine needles, the philosophy, training, and goals behind each technique can vary widely. At Acupuncture Heals, Dr. Thao Bui provides Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture, enhanced with advanced training in the Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System, ensuring treatments that are safe, effective, and tailored to both your health and wellness goals.
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Mississauga, ON, L4Y 2A7
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