What Is Distal Acupuncture — and Why We Use It at Encircle

If you’ve ever come in for acupuncture at Encircle, you might have noticed something surprising: we often place needles in your arms, legs, hands, or feet — even if your pain is in your back, neck, or shoulders.

That’s called distal acupuncture, and it’s one of the most effective and comfortable ways we treat pain and promote healing.

Why We Love Distal Acupuncture

At Encircle Acupuncture, we practice in a community setting, where patients relax in comfortable recliners. Distal acupuncture makes this possible — we can treat your entire body without requiring you to undress or lie face-down on a table.

It’s also more comfortable. Since our patients rest for up to an hour with the needles in, a reclined position is much easier on the joints and spine than lying face-down. Distal needling also avoids disturbing tissues that are already irritated or inflamed. By using points away from the pain, we can help you feel relief without touching the sensitive spot.

And perhaps most importantly — it works beautifully.

How Distal Acupuncture Works

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, energy (called Qi, pronounced “chee”) flows through a network of pathways called meridians. These meridians connect every part of your body — like an intricate system of rivers and streams.

When pain or illness occurs, it’s often because the flow of Qi in one of these meridians is blocked or out of balance. By placing needles at specific points along the meridian, even far from the area of discomfort, we can restore the natural flow and relieve pain.

Think of it like a garden hose: if there’s a kink near the nozzle, you can sometimes fix it by straightening the hose farther back toward the spigot. The whole system is connected, and sometimes working at a distance is the most effective way to clear the blockage.

What Distal Acupuncture Treats

Distal acupuncture is highly versatile — it can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Back pain (upper, mid, or lower)
  
• Neck and shoulder tension
  
• Joint pain (knees, hips, elbows, wrists)
  
• Headaches and migraines
  
• Sciatica and nerve pain
  
• Stress and anxiety
  
• Digestive issues
  
• Sleep problems
  

In fact, many of our patients are amazed to see their pain begin to ease within minutes of placing just a few distal needles in their hands or feet.

Why Distal Acupuncture Is So Effective

Distal needling works by engaging your body’s built-in healing systems. Research shows acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, improves circulation, and prompts the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins and serotonin.

By using distal points, we can often:

• Reduce inflammation without aggravating the painful area.
  
• Balance the body as a whole, not just one spot.
  
• Trigger a stronger systemic response, helping both pain and mood.
  

Our Experience and Results

Distal acupuncture has been part of Encircle Acupuncture’s approach since day one. Over our many years of practice, we’ve seen countless patients find relief from pain, stress, and tension using this gentle and effective method.

We’ve helped people get back to gardening, walking their dogs, sleeping soundly, and doing all the little things pain had made difficult. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, arthritis, or chronic headaches, distal acupuncture offers a safe, drug-free path toward healing and comfort.

Still Skeptical? That’s Okay.

It’s completely normal to wonder how needling your hand could help your back — especially if you’re new to acupuncture. But once you experience it, you’ll see how quickly and deeply your body responds.

Remember, acupuncture doesn’t just target one muscle or joint — it helps your entire system return to balance. Sometimes that means working at a distance to bring harmony where it’s needed most.

Experience the Benefits for Yourself

If you’ve been living with pain — especially back pain or joint stiffness — distal acupuncture can help you move better and feel better without medication or invasive treatments.

Book your appointment at Encircle Acupuncture today and discover how this gentle, effective technique can help you get back to doing what you love.

Book online or call us at:

East Nashville: 615-457-1979

Bellevue: 615-645-9866