Acupuncture has been practiced for more than 5,000 years, yet many people in the U.S. are still discovering how effective it can be for pain, stress, and overall health. To help explain the benefits of acupuncture, Montgomery Matters host Greg Whims recently sat down with Hong Ji, licensed acupuncturist and owner of East West Wellness Center in Rockville, Maryland, in this featured video.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Greg Wims (Host): Welcome to Montgomery Matters. I’m Greg Wims, your host. Today we’re talking about acupuncture and the benefits it offers. My guest is Hong Ji from the East West Wellness Center in Rockville, Maryland. Welcome to the show, Hong.

Hong Ji: Thank you.

Greg: Let’s start with the basics. What is acupuncture?

Hong: Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine practiced for more than 5,000 years. It’s based on the idea that vital life energy, called Qi (pronounced “chee”), circulates through pathways in the body called meridians. If this flow is disturbed, illness or dysfunction can occur. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, we can regulate energy flow, restore balance, and support healing.

Greg: Do the needles hurt?

Hong: No, they don’t. The needles are very thin, about the width of two human hairs. They come pre-packed, sterile, and disposable. I insert them quickly and firmly using a small tube, which minimizes any sensation. Most people feel very little, if anything at all.

Greg: Who benefits most from acupuncture?

Hong: Many people come for pain relief—headaches, back pain, neck and shoulder issues, stomach pain, arthritis, and more. But acupuncture also helps with internal conditions because it regulates the body’s energy. It can improve sleep, digestion, anxiety, and overall wellness.

Greg: Let’s look at some examples.

Hong: One patient came in with severe lower back pain after two surgeries for a herniated disc. He had no range of motion, was on heavy pain medication, and walked bent to one side. After two months of acupuncture, he regained mobility, walked upright, and even climbed hills again.

For him, I placed needles not only in the lower back but also along the legs to improve circulation and relieve nerve pain. Sometimes I use electro-acupuncture, which sends a gentle current through the needles for added stimulation.

Another patient had a rotator cuff injury. She couldn’t rotate her arm or reach overhead. After just one session, her range of motion improved significantly.

I’ve also treated patients with sinus problems. For example, a teenage girl came in with chronic sinus issues. After one treatment, her symptoms cleared and she remained well for the entire year.

Greg: How many sessions does someone usually need?

Hong: It depends on the condition. Younger patients or those with recent issues may feel better after one or two sessions. Chronic problems that have lasted for decades usually take longer. If there’s no improvement after five or six sessions, acupuncture may not be the right option for that person. But most patients notice benefits.

Greg: You mentioned headaches as well?

Hong: Yes. For sinus headaches or tension headaches, I place needles in the forehead, scalp, temples, and sometimes the hands or legs, depending on the symptoms. This helps relieve pain, sinus pressure, and related eye issues.

Greg: How many acupuncture points are there in the body?

Hong: About 400 points along 14 meridians. Not all are used every time, but each point connects to different organs or systems. By choosing the right points, we can treat a wide variety of conditions.

Greg: Do you accept insurance?

Hong: Yes, we accept many major insurance plans such as CareFirst BlueCross, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and even Kaiser. Many insurers now recognize that acupuncture reduces costs by helping patients manage pain and avoid more invasive treatments.

Greg: How do Western doctors view acupuncture?

Hong: Research shows that inserting needles at acupuncture points triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. It also increases serotonin, which improves mood and well-being. So there’s both traditional wisdom and modern science supporting acupuncture.

Greg: That’s very informative. We’ll take a short break, and when we return, we’ll discuss more symptoms acupuncture can treat.

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What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that balances the body’s energy, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). This energy flows through 14 main pathways called meridians. When Qi becomes blocked or disturbed, illness and pain can result.

By inserting fine needles at specific acupuncture points, practitioners restore the proper flow of energy. This helps reduce pain, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing response.

Do Acupuncture Needles Hurt?

One of the most common concerns is whether acupuncture hurts. Hong explained that the needles are extremely thin—about the width of two human hairs. They are sterile, disposable, and inserted quickly using a small tube. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during treatment.

Conditions Acupuncture Can Help

While many people think of acupuncture only for pain, it can treat a wide variety of conditions. At East West Wellness Center in Rockville, MD, patients often seek help for:

• Headaches and migraines

• Back, neck, and shoulder pain

• Arthritis and joint pain

• Digestive problems

• Stress, anxiety, and insomnia

• Sinus issues and allergies

Hong explained that acupuncture not only relieves pain but also improves energy flow, boosts immunity, and supports overall well-being.

Patient Success Stories

• Chronic back pain after surgery: One patient came in after two back surgeries for a herniated disc. He walked bent to one side and had no range of motion. After two months of acupuncture, he walked upright again, climbed hills, and regained flexibility.

• Rotator cuff injury: Another patient struggled with shoulder mobility. After just one session, her range of motion improved, and she was able to reach overhead again.

• Sinus problems: A teenage girl with chronic sinus issues improved after just one treatment. Her symptoms cleared, and she remained healthy for the entire year.

How Many Sessions Do Patients Need?

The number of sessions depends on the condition and its severity.

• Recent or mild issues may improve after one or two treatments.

• Chronic conditions often require several weeks of care.

• If patients don’t feel improvement after five or six sessions, acupuncture may not be the right solution.

Science Behind Acupuncture

Modern research confirms what traditional medicine has taught for centuries. Studies show that acupuncture:

• Releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers

• Increases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that boosts mood and reduces stress

• Supports the nervous system, circulation, and overall healing

Insurance Coverage

Many major insurance providers now cover acupuncture because it reduces long-term health costs. At East West Wellness Center, accepted plans include CareFirst BlueCross, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Kaiser, among others.

Acupuncture in Rockville, MD

If you’re considering acupuncture in Rockville, Maryland, the East West Wellness Center offers comprehensive care for pain, stress, sinus conditions, and more. With thousands of years of tradition and growing scientific support, acupuncture provides a safe and effective path toward better health.

Ready to learn how acupuncture can help you? Contact East West Wellness Center in Rockville, MD to schedule a consultation and discover the benefits of this natural healing therapy.