Why I Practice Acupuncture the Way I Do

Last Updated on August 25, 2026 by Linda Lofaro

People often ask me why I believe so strongly in acupuncture. Here’s the honest answer.

The idea behind it

Chinese medicine sees the body as a network of pathways where energy, or qi, should move freely. When something blocks that flow — stress, injury, poor sleep, illness — you feel it: tension, pain, fatigue, a mind that won’t slow down. I use fine needles at specific points to help clear those blocks and get things moving again.

When qi, blood, or the deeper reserves Chinese medicine calls Jing run low — through age, surgery, or energy that’s quietly waned from poor sleep and overwork — the work is to build back up.

Other times it’s the opposite: too much. Excess phlegm, heat, stuck qi, or built-up emotion shows up as restlessness, inflammation, or a mind that won’t settle. Here, the goal is to calm and disperse so the body can restore balance.

Most people are some mix of both. The skill is telling the difference, point by point, and treating accordingly.

What it feels like

The needles are hair-thin, nothing like a shot. Most patients feel a light pinch, if anything. Many relax so completely they doze off on the table.

Why I treat the whole person

I don’t just look at the symptom in front of me. I consider the primary complaint, the underlying causes, and the seemingly unrelated symptoms too, and I build a plan around all of it. My goal isn’t just to relieve what’s bothering you — it’s to help you understand your own body well enough to maintain that balance long after you leave my office.

If you’re curious

I’d be glad to talk through what’s going on and whether acupuncture makes sense for you. Schedule a free initial consultation or call me at (480) 258-1474.