It was a morning just like any other . . . until you took a step out of bed and felt your lower back seize up. Your primary care doctor says there’s nothing structurally wrong with your spine and sends you to physical therapy. You stretch. You do the exercises. Still, you’re sore and stiff. Your stomach’s starting to rebel at the Advil you’ve been swallowing three times a day. You certainly don’t want to try anything stronger. What can you do?
If Western medicine is letting you down, why not try Eastern? Stemming from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been long recognized to stimulate physical and emotional well-being. In addition to back and other chronic pain, the practice is used to address inflammation, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and menstrual cramps. Acupuncture has also been shown to be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression.
The fundamental idea behind the treatment is that it restores balance in the body by regulating the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee"), also known as life energy. Practitioners insert single-use, hair-thin needles at different points on the body to stimulate natural healing processes. The acupuncturist manipulates the needles (e.g., moving or twirling the needle) and remains in the skin for about 30 minutes while the patient relaxes. Usually, there is little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some patients report feeling evoked relaxed or energized by the treatment. Empirical research has found that acupuncture targets the central nervous system. (Reactions may vary.)
If you are looking for pain relief and/or a way to restore balance within your body and decide acupuncture may be for you, the Center for Wellness and Health Promotion (CWHP) provides the opportunity to manage your healing process with professional practitioners. Patients can schedule an acupuncture appointment for a one-hour session from Monday to Saturday. Before the session, a questionnaire is provided so you can indicate your problem areas and provide information for your practitioner. Students can schedule an appointment online through the Harvard University Health Services Patient Portal or call the CWHP at 617-495-9629.
The cost of acupuncture is based on the service and the patient’s insurance plan. The University’s Student Health Insurance Plan reimburses for the expenses above copay. For more specific pricing information, please refer to the CWHP website.
Have a question about acupuncture or any other service or offering at CWHP? Please feel free to call or email us. Whether you’re new or a long-time client, we are here to address your concerns. If you have pressing concerns—academic or personal—and need resources or support, remember to stop by the Office of Student Services in Room B-2 of the Student Center at Harvard Griffin GSAS.
