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What Is Acupuncture? #
The basics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) #
Acupuncture is a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), practiced for over 2,000 years to restore internal balance and promote natural healing. At its core, it’s based on the belief that the body is an interconnected system of pathways called meridians, through which life energy flows.
This energy is known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). When Qi becomes blocked or unbalanced, physical and emotional symptoms can arise. Acupuncture uses ultra-thin, sterile needles inserted at specific points along these meridians to correct those imbalances and reestablish the body’s natural flow.
At One Kinetic, we see this not as ancient folklore but as a deeply intuitive system of healing that works in harmony with the body’s own intelligence.
What is Qi, and why does it matter? #
Qi is often translated as “vital energy” or “life force.” It’s not something you can see, but rather feel, when it flows freely, you feel energized, clear, and at ease. When it stagnates, you may experience:
- Chronic pain or tension
- Anxiety or emotional unrest
- Low energy or digestive imbalances
- Sleep issues or brain fog
By releasing Qi blockages, acupuncture supports self-healing. It’s not about suppressing symptoms, it’s about encouraging the body to restore its own rhythm.
What Can Acupuncture Help With? #
Common issues like pain, anxiety, and insomnia #
Research and real-world outcomes continue to show that acupuncture is an effective approach for both acute and chronic conditions. At One Kinetic, we often treat patients who are struggling with:
- Back, neck, and joint pain
- Migraines and headaches
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Insomnia or disrupted sleep
- Digestive issues and bloating
- Fatigue or burnout
Acupuncture is also widely used for fertility support, immune regulation, and hormone balancing.
Not just relief, restoring energy balance #
At One Kinetic, patients often arrive seeking relief from physical discomfort but what they discover is something deeper. Acupuncture, one of our foundational therapies, does more than reduce symptoms. It helps restore the body’s natural energy flow, often resulting in emotional clarity, sharper mental focus, improved digestion, and a renewed connection to the self. By addressing the whole person, mind, body, and spirit, our approach goes beyond pain relief to foster true energetic balance and lasting vitality.
What to Expect at Your First Session #
Needle safety and comfort explained #
We get it, needles might sound intimidating. But here’s the truth: acupuncture needles are nothing like hypodermic needles. They’re hair-thin, sterile, and designed to be painless.
In fact, most patients report feeling:
- A light tingling or warming sensation
- Gentle pressure or release
- Deep relaxation (some even fall asleep)
Our licensed professionals prioritize your comfort, using precise techniques and personalized point selection for your body’s needs.
A walkthrough of your first appointment #
Here’s how a first visit at One Kinetic typically unfolds:
- Consultation: We’ll review your health history, lifestyle, and goals to understand your unique story.
- Pulse and Tongue Diagnosis: These traditional TCM methods help identify imbalances beyond what’s visible.
- Customized Treatment Plan: We’ll select acupuncture points tailored to your condition—whether it’s pain, digestion, or emotional stress.
- The Acupuncture Session: You’ll lie comfortably in a serene treatment room. Needles are placed and left in for 20–30 minutes.
- Integration: Afterward, we’ll discuss next steps—possibly including herbal formulas, functional medicine, or simple lifestyle shifts.
The Science Behind Acupuncture #
How acupuncture affects the nervous system #
Modern science is finally catching up to what Traditional Chinese Medicine has practiced for centuries. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points along the body’s energy pathways, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, your natural “rest and digest” mode. This shift helps the body move out of chronic stress and into a healing state. Clinical research shows acupuncture can trigger the release of endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers), reduce cortisol and inflammation, improve circulation and oxygen flow, and modulate mood-related neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. At One Kinetic, we use acupuncture as part of a personalized, holistic care plan to help restore nervous system balance and support whole-body vitality.
Western research meets Eastern wisdom #
Over 10,000 clinical trials have been published on acupuncture’s effectiveness for conditions like:
What’s exciting is how seamlessly Eastern and Western perspectives are now converging, especially at One Kinetic, where we blend ancient wisdom with functional diagnostics.
Debunking Acupuncture Myths #
“It’s painful” #
Truth: Most people barely feel the needles going in. Many report it’s more relaxing than a massage.
“It’s not real medicine” #
Acupuncture is recognized by:
- The World Health Organization (WHO)
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Leading hospitals like Mayo Clinic and UCSF
It’s integrative, evidence-supported, and safe when performed by licensed practitioners.
“It’s only for chronic pain” #
Acupuncture supports a wide range of issues, including:
- Fertility and menstrual health
- Stress, burnout, and trauma recovery
- Sleep optimization and immune function
It’s not just reactive, it’s proactive care.
Why Santa Cruz Trusts One Kinetic for Acupuncture #
Integrative care rooted in nature and vitality #
At One Kinetic, integrative care isn’t a trend, it’s a lifestyle rooted in vitality, nature, and movement. Inspired by the active spirit of Santa Cruz, our clinic blends time-honored Eastern healing methods like acupuncture and Qi Gong with the precision of Western innovations including functional medicine and genomics.
Our team lives by surfing, hiking, and staying connected to the outdoors because true wellness comes from alignment, not prescriptions. Every care plan is personalized, never one-size-fits-all, and built around the six core pillars of health: movement, nutrition, sleep, sunlight, stress, and spirit. Here, your healing journey is crafted for who you are and where you want to go.
Local trust, expert hands #
Led by Dr. Loki Doan, a nationally certified acupuncturist with over 25 years of experience, our clinic is built on:
- A foundation of precision and compassion
- A reputation for holistic outcomes, not just symptom control
- Partnerships with Santa Cruz’s most trusted practitioners
We’re proud to help our neighbors move better, feel better, and live fully.
Ready to Try Acupuncture? #
Book a consultation #
Ready to explore how acupuncture can help you feel better? Book a free consultation here, no pressure, just clarity.
Low-pressure, high-impact care #
There’s no pressure to commit. Just come with curiosity, we’ll meet you where you are.
At One Kinetic, acupuncture isn’t a trend. It’s a tool for transformation grounded in science, tradition, and human connection.
Building a stronger local presence and embracing digital transformation starts with the right support. At One Kinetic, we’re here to help you thrive—both online and in wellness.
- Affordable Wellness & Preventive Care: Explore personalized therapies like acupuncture, functional medicine, and peptide therapy that elevate your health naturally and effectively.
- Complimentary Wellness Consultations: Not sure where to begin? Book a free consultation and get expert guidance tailored to your health goals and lifestyle.
- Learn with One Kinetic: Understand how our approach—blending Eastern and Western medicine—can unlock long-term vitality. Dive into our vision, values, and healing methods.
- Specialized Programs & Services: Whether you’re looking to reduce chronic pain, optimize your energy, or age gracefully, our therapeutic services and holistic plans are designed around you.
- Get in Touch or Schedule a Visit: Reach out with questions, schedule your visit, or book an appointment online—we’re ready to support your journey to better health.
Visit our contact page or explore our offerings to take the first step toward a stronger, healthier you.
