Acupuncture: Ancient Medicine, Modern Evidence
Updated: Oct 1
✍️ Written by Dr. Lee Byung-Moon, DAcHM | Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM) Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist (NJ/NY) | 20+ Years Clinical Experience | Founder, PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center, Westwood, NJ
What Patients Should Know About Acupuncture, How It Works, and What to Expect
Acupuncture has been practiced for centuries as part of East Asian medicine and is now used by people around the world as a complementary approach to health and wellness.
But what exactly is acupuncture?
How does it work?
What does modern research say?
And what should you expect if you have never tried acupuncture before?
At PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center in Westwood, New Jersey, Dr. Byung-Moon Lee, DAcHM, L.Ac., provides individualized acupuncture and East Asian medicine care based on each patient's health concerns, history, lifestyle, and goals.
With more than 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Lee combines traditional East Asian medicine with an evidence-informed, patient-centered approach.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice in which very fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body.
Acupuncture originated within traditional East Asian medicine and has been practiced for more than 2,500 years. Today, it is used internationally and is commonly sought for pain and other health concerns.
Traditional East Asian medicine views health as an interconnected process involving the body's functional systems, circulation, regulation, and ability to adapt to internal and external changes.
Within this traditional framework, practitioners assess patterns rather than looking at a single symptom in isolation.
For example, two people may both experience back pain but have different contributing patterns, lifestyles, sleep habits, stress levels, or physical limitations.
This is one reason acupuncture treatment is typically individualized rather than based on a single standardized treatment for everyone.
How Is Acupuncture Explained in East Asian Medicine?
Traditional East Asian medicine uses concepts such as Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang, and meridian pathways to describe functional relationships within the body.
These concepts belong to a traditional medical framework and should not be assumed to be identical to modern anatomical structures or biomedical mechanisms.
The goal of an East Asian medicine assessment is to understand the broader pattern of a person's symptoms and health rather than focusing exclusively on one isolated complaint.
At PureMe, this traditional perspective is combined with attention to the patient's medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, activity, sleep, stress, and individual goals.
This allows treatment to be personalized to the person rather than simply to a diagnosis.
What Does Modern Research Say About Acupuncture?
Modern research has investigated acupuncture for a wide range of conditions.
The strength of evidence varies considerably depending on the condition being studied.
The most established research is in several areas of pain management.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports that acupuncture may help with several pain conditions, including back or neck pain, knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, and some postoperative pain.
A large individual-patient-data meta-analysis involving randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was associated with better pain outcomes than both sham acupuncture and no-acupuncture controls for several chronic pain conditions, including back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic headache.
At the same time, research does not show that acupuncture is equally effective for every condition.
Evidence varies by health concern, study design, and outcome.
For this reason, we believe acupuncture should be presented realistically—as a complementary treatment option that may be appropriate for some patients and some conditions, rather than as a solution for every health problem.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The complete mechanism of acupuncture is still not fully understood.
Current research suggests that acupuncture may influence the nervous system, local tissues, and other physiological processes. Research also indicates that factors surrounding treatment—including expectations, the therapeutic relationship, and the treatment experience itself—may contribute to outcomes.
This is an important distinction.
We do not need to claim that acupuncture has one single mechanism to recognize that research has demonstrated measurable physiological and clinical effects in certain circumstances.
From a modern scientific perspective, acupuncture is an area of ongoing research.
From the perspective of East Asian medicine, acupuncture is a clinical system based on pattern assessment and individualized treatment.
At PureMe, we respect both perspectives while keeping patient safety and evidence-informed care at the center of treatment.
What Can Acupuncture Help With?
People seek acupuncture for many different reasons.
At PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center, common areas of care include:
Pain & Musculoskeletal Concerns
Neck pain
Back pain
Shoulder discomfort
Knee discomfort
Joint stiffness
Arthritis-related discomfort
Sciatica
Muscle tension
Research is particularly relevant to several pain conditions, including back and neck pain and knee osteoarthritis.
Stress & Sleep
Some patients seek acupuncture as part of a broader approach to:
Stress management
Physical tension
Difficulty relaxing
Sleep difficulties
Stress-related fatigue
Evidence varies depending on the specific condition and outcome, so treatment is individualized rather than based on a promise of a particular result.
Headaches
Acupuncture has also been studied for headaches and migraines, although the strength and interpretation of evidence varies by headache type and treatment approach.
Healthy Aging & Mobility
As people get older, maintaining mobility, physical function, sleep, recovery, and independence becomes increasingly important.
Acupuncture may be considered as one component of a broader healthy-aging strategy, particularly when pain, stiffness, stress, or other concerns interfere with daily activity.
The goal is not simply to treat a symptom.
It is to help patients remain as active, comfortable, and independent as possible while working within an appropriate overall healthcare plan.
Acupuncture and Healthy Aging
Supporting the ability to keep moving, functioning, and participating in daily life
Healthy aging is not simply about adding years to life.
It is also about maintaining the ability to move, sleep, recover, participate in meaningful activities, and remain independent.
This is especially important for adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond.
For some patients, persistent pain or stiffness can gradually reduce activity.
Reduced activity may then affect strength, mobility, sleep, mood, and confidence.
This is why Dr. Lee's approach considers more than the location of pain.
Treatment planning may also consider:
Mobility
Activity level
Sleep
Stress
Recovery
Daily function
Lifestyle
Long-term wellness goals
Clinical Insight from Dr. Lee
"After more than 20 years of clinical practice, I have learned that patients rarely come to acupuncture because they are simply looking for another treatment. Many are looking for a more individualized way to understand and manage persistent pain, stress, sleep concerns, or changes associated with aging."
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
One of the most common questions from first-time patients is:
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, and the experience is generally different from receiving an injection.
Some people feel very little during needle insertion.
Others may notice a brief sensation such as:
Mild pressure
Tingling
Warmth
Heaviness
A brief aching sensation
Many people find the treatment relaxing.
Your experience can vary depending on the treatment area, your individual sensitivity, and the type of acupuncture being used.
If you are nervous about acupuncture, let your practitioner know.
A first treatment should be an opportunity to ask questions and understand what will happen before treatment begins.
What Should I Expect at My First Acupuncture Visit?
Your first visit at PureMe begins with a detailed consultation.
Dr. Lee takes time to understand:
Your primary health concerns
Medical and health history
Current symptoms
Lifestyle
Stress
Sleep
Activity and mobility
Wellness goals
The treatment plan is then individualized according to your circumstances.
Depending on your needs, your care may include:
Acupuncture
Herbal medicine when appropriate
Cupping
Tui Na
Moxibustion
Lifestyle and wellness guidance
Not every patient receives every modality.
The goal is to determine what is appropriate for your individual situation.
Learn more:
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is generally considered to have a good safety record when performed appropriately by a qualified practitioner using sterile needles.
However, acupuncture is not completely risk-free.
Rare complications can include infection or injury, particularly when acupuncture is performed improperly or with nonsterile needles. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires them to be sterile and labeled for single use.
At PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center, we use sterile, single-use acupuncture needles and follow appropriate infection-control and cleaning procedures.
Patients who are pregnant, have significant medical conditions, take medications that affect bleeding, or have other specific health considerations should discuss their circumstances with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Acupuncture should not be used to postpone necessary medical evaluation or treatment.
Is Acupuncture Alternative Medicine?
The word "alternative" can sometimes create confusion.
At PureMe, we view acupuncture as a complementary approach that may be used alongside appropriate conventional healthcare.
Acupuncture does not need to replace medical diagnosis, medication, physical therapy, surgery, or other necessary medical treatment.
Instead, it may become one component of an individualized healthcare plan.
For example, a patient receiving conventional care for a musculoskeletal condition may also consider acupuncture for symptom management and functional support when appropriate.
The most important consideration is whether a particular approach is appropriate and safe for the individual patient.
Why Choose PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center in Westwood, NJ?
PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center was founded by Dr. Byung-Moon Lee, DAcHM, L.Ac. in 2009.
Dr. Lee is:
Licensed as an acupuncturist in New Jersey and New York
A licensed herbalist in New Jersey
Dipl. O.M. (NCCAOM)
Doctor of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
A practitioner with more than 20 years of clinical experience
His approach combines traditional East Asian medicine with evidence-informed clinical care.
Rather than treating every patient according to the same protocol, he considers the patient's health history, symptoms, lifestyle, stress, sleep, mobility, and individual goals.
The focus is simple:
Help patients move better, sleep better, manage stress, and age with greater resilience and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, and many patients experience little discomfort during insertion. Sensations vary from person to person.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
There is no single number that is appropriate for everyone. Treatment frequency depends on your symptoms, health history, goals, and response to treatment.
Can acupuncture replace medical treatment?
No. Acupuncture should be considered complementary care and should not replace necessary medical evaluation or treatment.
Can acupuncture help with chronic pain?
Research suggests acupuncture may help some people manage chronic pain, particularly certain types of back and neck pain, osteoarthritis-related pain, and headache. Evidence varies by condition.
Is acupuncture appropriate for adults over 50?
Acupuncture may be considered by many adults over 50, depending on their individual health circumstances. A personalized assessment is important, particularly when someone has multiple health conditions or takes several medications.
What if I have never tried acupuncture?
That is very common. Your first visit includes time to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and understand your treatment options before treatment begins.
Acupuncture in Westwood, New Jersey
If you are looking for acupuncture in Westwood, NJ, PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center provides personalized acupuncture and East Asian medicine care for adults seeking support for pain, mobility, stress, sleep, and overall wellness.
Our clinic is located at:
PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center
99 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 302
Westwood, NJ 07675
Dr. Lee serves patients from Westwood and surrounding Bergen County communities, with an emphasis on individualized, patient-centered care.
When Should You Consider Acupuncture?
Acupuncture may be worth discussing with a qualified practitioner if you are looking for complementary support for:
Persistent or recurring pain
Joint stiffness or mobility concerns
Muscle tension
Stress
Sleep difficulties
Headaches
General wellness
Healthy aging goals
The appropriate approach depends on your individual health situation.
If you have a new, severe, or unexplained symptom, seek appropriate medical evaluation rather than relying on acupuncture alone.
A More Personalized Approach to Acupuncture
At PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center, we believe good care begins by listening.
Your symptoms are important—but so are your history, lifestyle, sleep, stress, activity level, and personal goals.
Acupuncture provides one possible tool within that larger picture.
Our goal is to help you understand your options and develop a thoughtful, individualized approach to your health.
Ready to explore whether acupuncture may be appropriate for you?
Schedule your first visit at PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center in Westwood, NJ.
PureMe Acupuncture Wellness Center 99 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 302
Westwood, NJ 07675
(201) 497-8880
Research & Clinical References
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety
Provides current evidence-based information about acupuncture, including effectiveness, possible mechanisms, safety, and regulation of acupuncture needles.
Vickers AJ, et al.
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
Archives of Internal Medicine, 2012.
This large individual-patient-data meta-analysis evaluated acupuncture for chronic back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache, and shoulder pain.
Vickers AJ, et al.
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
Journal of Pain. 2018;19(5):455–474.
The updated analysis examined 39 randomized controlled trials involving 20,827 patients.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Acupuncture Needles, Single Use
The FDA classifies acupuncture needles as medical devices and identifies single-use acupuncture needles within its device classification system.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Acupuncture is a complementary healthcare approach and should not replace necessary medical evaluation or treatment. Results vary from person to person.
If you have a new, severe, persistent, or concerning medical symptom, consult an appropriate healthcare professional.
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