Acupuncture

Acupuncture helps relieve pain, nausea and other difficult-to-manage symptoms. It is an effective, medication-free therapy that helps relieve pain and ease other hard-to-manage symptoms.

For people living with ongoing (chronic) pain, acupuncture offers an approach that may reduce the need for opioid medications.

Acupuncture is available at select UMass Memorial locations, in collaboration with Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, New England School of Acupuncture (NESA). This partnership offers a safe and supportive way to explore holistic care options within our trusted medical system.

Conditions We Treat

You may benefit from acupuncture if other medical therapies have not provided sufficient relief for symptoms of certain chronic conditions, including: 

• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches and migraines
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Low back pain  
• Neck pain
• Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy
• Tennis elbow

Our Acupuncture Services

During acupuncture, acupuncturists will insert thin, sterile needles into precise points on the body. Because the needles are so thin, they typically don’t cause much pain or discomfort. The needles prompt the nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals, improve blood flow and activate the body’s healing mechanisms. Results vary and may take at least six sessions to determine benefit.

In addition to traditional acupuncture, care sessions may also include:

Acupuncture With Heat

We apply heat to the needles, your skin or both during treatment to deepen the effects of acupuncture. Acupuncture with heat offers the benefits of traditional acupuncture while also relaxing tight muscles.

Adjunctive Therapies 

Adjunctive therapies are hands-on or energy-based techniques we use alongside acupuncture to enhance its benefits.

These supportive techniques include:

• Cupping uses suction cups placed on the skin to improve blood flow, reduce muscle tightness and support healing.
• Massage (tuina), therapeutic Chinese massage, targets muscles and meridian pathways (energy channels) to promote balance and relieve pain.
• Gua Sha techniques involve gently scraping the skin’s surface to increase circulation and help release tension.

Electroacupuncture

During electroacupuncture, your provider inserts the needles into the body and then connects them to a small device. The device sends gentle electrical pulses, which can help boost pain relief and support healing.