What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment in which extremely fine, sterile needles (thinner than a human hair) are inserted at specific points along the body's energy pathways — called meridians. These needles stimulate the nervous system to release the body's own pain-relieving chemicals, improve blood flow to specific organs, and restore the natural balance of the body's regulatory systems.
The treatment is virtually painless — most patients feel only a gentle warmth or tingling at the point. There is no surgery, and no recovery time.
Why is acupuncture needed?
Modern medicine often manages symptoms with daily medication — painkillers for chronic pain, sleeping pills for insomnia, hormonal pills for cycles. Acupuncture works at the root cause: it regulates the nervous system, balances hormones, and improves the body's self-healing capacity. Patients commonly choose acupuncture when:
- ✓Long-term medication is causing side effects
- ✓Chronic pain isn't responding to physiotherapy alone
- ✓A drug-free option is needed during pregnancy or fertility treatment
- ✓Stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbance are affecting daily life
- ✓Conventional medicine has nothing more to offer
Conditions treated with acupuncture
The WHO officially lists acupuncture as effective for the following condition categories. At Al Shifa Markapuram we regularly treat:
Pain & Musculoskeletal
- • Chronic back pain & sciatica
- • Neck pain, cervical spondylosis
- • Frozen shoulder · arthritis
- • Knee osteoarthritis
- • Tennis & golfer's elbow
- • Migraine & tension headache
- • Trigeminal neuralgia
Women's Health
- • PCOS · PCOD · irregular cycles
- • Infertility (often alongside IVF)
- • Painful menstruation
- • Menopause symptoms
- • Pregnancy-related back pain
Stress & Sleep
- • Insomnia & disturbed sleep
- • Anxiety & panic disorder
- • Mild to moderate depression
- • Chronic fatigue
- • Stress-related hypertension
Other Conditions
- • Allergic rhinitis · sinusitis
- • Asthma (supportive)
- • Bell's palsy · facial paralysis
- • Post-stroke rehabilitation
- • IBS, acidity, constipation
- • Smoking cessation · weight management
What to expect during your session
- 1.Consultation (45 min): we discuss your symptoms, history and goals — no rush.
- 2.Pulse & tongue diagnosis: traditional examination identifies root imbalances.
- 3.Treatment (25–35 min): sterile needles inserted at 8–15 points; you rest comfortably.
- 4.Recovery plan: a clear protocol — most patients see real change in 4–6 sessions.
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt?
No. The needles are thinner than a human hair. At most you may feel a tiny prick or warmth. Most patients fall asleep during the session.
How many sessions will I need?
Acute issues usually resolve in 4–6 sessions. Chronic conditions need 8–12. You'll have a clear plan after the first consultation.
Is it safe?
Yes. We use only FDA-grade sterile single-use needles, opened in front of you and disposed of after every session.
Can I combine it with my regular medicine?
Absolutely. Acupuncture works alongside allopathy, ayurveda, and physiotherapy without interactions. We never ask you to stop your prescribed medication.