What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional healing practice that has been used for thousands of years. It involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to support balance and promote the body's natural healing processes.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by influencing the flow of qi (pronounced “chee”), traditionally understood as the vital energy that moves throughout the body. Acupuncture points are connected through pathways known as meridians, and treatment is intended to restore balance when the flow of qi has become disrupted.
From a modern biomedical perspective, research suggests that acupuncture can influence the nervous system and the body's pain-processing pathways, while also affecting circulation, muscle activity, and the release of signaling chemicals such as neurotransmitters and hormones. These effects may help explain why acupuncture can be useful for a wide range of concerns, including pain, muscle tension, headaches, stress, sleep, and overall well-being.
At Revive Acupuncture & Wellness in Berwick, Maine, we combine the traditional foundations of acupuncture with a modern understanding of the body to create personalized treatments based on individual needs and goals.
Orthopedic Acupuncture
Orthopedic acupuncture is typically used when there is pain from a musculoskeletal condition. This method uses modern acupuncture techniques such as trigger point and motor point therapy and e-stim to relieve muscular tension and alleviate pain.
You don't have to understand how acupuncture works to benefit from it—you just have to be curious enough to try.
Treatment Options
First time clients | 90min evaluation & treatment - We will do a thorough intake, discuss your goals & come up with a treatment plan.
Follow up appointments are available in 30, 60 & 90 min treatment times. We typically recommend 60 min for most conditions.
Facial Acupuncture
Feel good. Look refreshed.
Facial rejuvenation acupuncture combines the benefits of acupuncture with a relaxing facial-focused treatment designed to support circulation, facial muscle tone, and a healthy-looking complexion.
This specialty 75-minute treatment includes a facial steam to open up the sinuses along with a cupping treatment for the back and neck muscles. You will then receive a steamed towel for your face and neck followed by light therapy and a facial and body acupuncture treatment to quiet your nervous system and lift and tone the muscles of your face. The session will end with a nourishing facial oil, facial cupping/gua sha, and a scalp massage.
The Vacation Reset | 45min
Nothing to fix. Just time to revive.
Designed specifically for visitors who want to relax and recharge while they're here. This gentle acupuncture treatment isn't intended to address specific health concerns or start a comprehensive treatment plan—instead, it's all about helping regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and leave you feeling calm, refreshed, and ready to enjoy the rest of your vacation.
Want a little extra? Add therapeutic cupping for just $10.
Acupuncture FAQs
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes! Acupuncture has been used safely for 3,000 years to promote and maintain health without the use of drugs and surgery. The FDA requires that acupuncturists follow strict guidelines and use only sterile, single-use needles. All acupuncturists are certified in Clean Needle Technique by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Needles are typically associated with pain, so it is natural to expect acupuncture to hurt. However, you could fit close to 10 acupuncture needles inside the tip of one hypodermic needle which makes for a much gentler sensation than your average shot. Some points do tend to be more sensitive than others, but most patients report a sensation of tingling or heaviness, rather than pain, upon needle insertion. Acupuncture treatments can be quite relaxing and you may even find yourself dozing off during a session.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Every body is different and acupuncture is a very individualized medicine, so this can vary greatly from person to person. Factors that influence number of treatments include patient age, chronicity and severity of the condition, and patient compliance. Typically, acute and less severe conditions will respond faster than chronic and more severe disorders. On average it is recommended that a new patient come in for treatment 1-2 times a week for 4-6 weeks, after which we will evaluate the progression of the condition and modify the treatment plan as needed. Acupuncture works best as a preventative medicine, so the eventual goal is for patients to come in monthly or every other month for health maintenance.
Do You Take Insurance?
Annie is an out of network (OON) acupuncture provider with all insurance companies. We will not submit OON claims but would be happy to provide you with a superbill that you may submit for reimbursement. Please inform Annie before your appointment if you will require a superbill.
Do You Accept HSA/FSA Cards?
Yes!
What Should I Expect During My First Treatment?
The first session will consist of a comprehensive intake where we will discuss the main issue you would like treatment for, as well as additional health information that will aid in diagnosis. You will then rest with the needles and may receive any number of adjunctive techniques. It is suggested that you wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing to your appointment if possible.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
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With advanced training in orthopedic acupuncture, we take a targeted approach to musculoskeletal pain, using acupuncture to address both the source of pain and the surrounding muscles, joints and connective tissue. Treatment may include trigger point needling (dry needling), electrical stimulation (e-stim or electroacupuncture) to help reduce pain, release muscular tension, improve circulation, and restore mobility. Research supports acupuncture for a range of acute and chronic pain conditions, including but not limited to:
Back pain
Neck pain
Arthritis
Sports injuries
Fibromyalgia
Headaches/migraines
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Acupuncture can help the body shift out of a chronic “fight-or-flight” state and into a more balance, restorative state. By influencing the autonomic nervous system and the body’s stress-response pathways, acupuncture may help reduce physical tension, anxiety, restlessness, depression, and the effects of chronic stress.
Research increasingly supports acupuncture as a useful tool for reducing anxiety and helping regulate the nervous system, making it a valuable addition to a broader approach to stress management and overall well-being.
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Acupuncture can support women through many stages of life, from menstrual concerns to prenatal and postpartum concerns, and the transition through menopause.
Treatment is tailored to the individual and may help with menstrual pain, cycle-related symptoms, stress, and other factors that can affect overall reproductive health.
Research suggests acupuncture may be helpful as a complementary treatment during fertility care, including IVF and IUI procedures.
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Acupuncture can be used to support the body’s response to common respiratory and immune-related concerns, such as:
Asthma
Seasonal Allergies
Sinus Congestion
Chronic Cough
Poor immune functioning
Common cold
Research suggests acupuncture may influence inflammatory and immune pathways and can improve nasal symptoms and quality of life for people with allergic rhinitis. Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, treatment is designed to support the body’s own regulatory systems and may be especially helpful for people looking for a complementary approach to managing recurring season or respiratory symptoms.
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The nervous system and digestive system and closely connected, and acupuncture can help support this communication through the gut-brain axis. Treatment may be helpful for symptoms such as:
Bloating
Abdominal Discomfort
Nausea
Constipation
Diarrhea
IBS/IBD
Crohn’s Disease
Research has found meaningful improvements in symptoms and quality of life for several functional gastrointestinal conditions.
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Cosmetic acupuncture takes a whole body approach to skin health while using very fine needles locally on the face to encourage circulation and support the body’s natural tissue-repair processes. Treatment may help soften facial tension and support a brighter, more refreshed appearance, with research suggesting potential improvements in skin elasticity.
Our facial rejuvenation treatment at Revive combines facial acupuncture with facial gua sha and cupping to promote circulation, reduce the appearance of puffiness, and relax facial muscles. Red light therapy is also included in the treatment; using specific wavelengths of light that have been studied for the effects on cellular energy production, inflammation, and collagen-supporting processes.
Unlike injectable treatments, cosmetic acupuncture works with the body’s own processes and is intended to enhance natural features rather than change them dramatically.
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Vertigo
Neurological disorders
Thyroid issues
Chronic Lyme disease
Chronic fatigue
Cancer support
Insomnia