Over years of treating patients in Vancouver, the same handful of misunderstandings about acupuncture come up again and again. Here are five things I wish everyone understood before their first visit.
1. A realistic plan depends on the condition
One visit can be useful, but no practitioner can promise a fixed number of sessions or that every treatment will build on the last. The evidence varies by condition, and individual responses vary too.
In my clinical practice, I discuss a short, reviewable plan based on how long the issue has been present, its likely causes, your health history, and how you respond. We reassess rather than asking for an open-ended commitment.
2. The needles are not the most important part
Patients often imagine the needles are "doing" something to them — inserting an object that somehow repairs the problem. But the needles are simply a tool. The real work is done by your own body.
How acupuncture works is not fully understood. Research suggests effects on nervous-system function and tissues near the needle, while context and other nonspecific effects also contribute. Explanations involving circulation, neurotransmitters, or inflammation are plausible mechanisms, not a complete or settled account.
3. The side effects are mostly pleasant
Many patients tell me they feel relaxed during a session. Minor bruising or soreness can occur. NCCIH reports relatively few complications, while also noting that improper delivery or nonsterile needles can cause serious harm. I use sterile, single-use needles and practice within my registration and training.
4. Not all acupuncturists have the same training
Training and scope vary a great deal, and it's worth knowing the difference:
A registered TCM practitioner has substantially more training in diagnosis and treatment planning across the whole system of Chinese medicine. If your situation is complex, that depth matters.
5. Acupuncture is medicine, not "alternative"
The phrase "alternative medicine" suggests a replacement for conventional care. I think of acupuncture as complementary — it works alongside the rest of your healthcare. I'm glad to coordinate with your doctors and other providers, and I never advise anyone to stop prescribed medication without their physician's supervision.
Acupuncture is among the oldest continuously practiced systems of medicine in the world. Approached with realistic expectations and a proper course of treatment, it has a great deal to offer.
Primary reference
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety”, last updated October 2022. Accessed September 5, 2026.
If you're in Vancouver and curious how Traditional Chinese Medicine could support you, I'd be glad to help. I practice at Broadway Wellness and Performance Clinic.