What Is Acupuncture? A Holistic Perspective

As a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture practising in the Sunninghill area, one of the most common questions I get asked is, “What is acupuncture?” While many people have heard of it and know that it involves needles, a complete understanding of acupuncture often remains a mystery. So let’s clear that up!

We also answer this question in a short video linked below!

Acupuncture: More Than Just Needles

Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of healing that has been practised for thousands of years. At its core, acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to treat or prevent disease.

But what is the purpose of the needles? Well, this will be difficult to explain without introducing a few key concepts first.

Holism: Treating the Whole You

The main belief is the holism concept, which states that the body is a whole, not just separate parts. All the parts of the body are connected, work together, and can affect each other when something goes wrong. In other words, you are more than just a collection of parts. You’re a whole person with a unique lifestyle, experiences, and emotions.

For example, someone may come in complaining of headaches. In a conventional model, treatment might focus solely on relieving the pain. But in acupuncture, we look deeper. We ask questions like, “Are you sleeping well? How’s your digestion? Are you under stress at work or at home? What does your diet look like?” These may seem unrelated to the symptom at first glance, but they provide vital clues about the overall balance in your body.

In a consultation, we don’t just ask, “Where does it hurt?” We ask, “What’s going on in your life? How are you sleeping? What are you eating? How are you feeling emotionally?”

These questions help us to look at the body as a whole rather than focusing on individual symptoms. The body, emotions, and the environment are all connected, and good health comes from maintaining balance between these aspects of our lives. When something is out of balance, it can lead to discomfort or disease. We thus select acupuncture points based on this imbalance to correct it and return the body back to good health.

This approach can often explain why when you come for a treatment for something—like back pain— you may notice other symptoms have improved which you didn’t even mention in the treatment. Like you are feeling more relaxed, sleeping better, or even noticing improvements in mood and digestion. That’s the beauty of treating the whole person.

Prevention: A Key Principle in Acupuncture

In addition to this, we also focus on preventing the disease from returning, and thus we also need to understand the cause of the disease (or imbalance). Acupuncture isn’t only about relieving symptoms after they arise—it’s just as much about prevention.

The concept of prevention is deeply embedded in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In fact, ancient Chinese doctors were once paid to keep their patients healthy, not to treat them once they were already sick. The idea was simple: if the body is in balance, then the body will function properly, and illness will be far less likely to occur.

So we ask: Why did this issue arise in the first place? And what can we do together to stop it from returning?

We may explore:

• Diet

• Lifestyle

• Excercise

• Stress levels

• Emotional wellbeing

  
  

If stress or emotional strain is a factor, we might suggest incorporating breathing techniques or gentle movement practices like yoga or Tai Chi. If poor digestion is contributing to the imbalance, we might look at food choices and meal timing. If lifestyle habits or work are the cause, we may suggest stretches, give posture advice or specific exercises to counter this.

Some of the common ways we advise patients are through dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and exercise or movement routines that support their body’s constitution. These suggestions are never one-size-fits-all—they are personalised to your specific condition and constitution, based on what your body is showing us.

By addressing the root causes and not just the symptoms, acupuncture becomes a tool not only for healing but for long-term wellness.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

For those who are new to acupuncture, the idea of needles can understandably feel intimidating. But rest assured—acupuncture needles are very thin, much finer than the needles used for injections or drawing blood. Most people are surprised by how little they usually feel, which is described as feeling a lot less painful than pricking your finger to test sugar or cholesterol. In fact, many find acupuncture sessions deeply relaxing—many even fall asleep during treatment.

Acupuncture is more than just a technique—it’s a philosophy. It reminds us that healing is not just about fixing one thing. It’s about understanding how everything is connected and working toward harmony in the whole system. Whether it’s physical pain, emotional stress, fatigue, or just a desire to feel more balanced, acupuncture offers a time-tested path to healing that respects the wisdom of nature.

If you're in Sunninghill or nearby areas and are curious about how acupuncture can support your health, feel free to reach out—we're here to help. Whether you’re seeking relief, balance, or simply a moment of calm in a busy world, you may be surprised by what this ancient practice has to offer.

— Dr Darren Carpenter, Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture