What is Acupuncture and How Does It Work?

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are aligned with the body’s energy pathways, known as meridians, to stimulate the flow of Qi (energy) and restore balance. This process can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall wellness.

How Should I Choose Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?

Choosing between acupuncture and dry needling depends on your specific needs and health goals: Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on restoring the body’s energy balance by targeting specific points along the meridians. It’s beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management, stress relief, and emotional well-being. Dry Needling is a more recent technique that targets trigger points within muscles to relieve musculoskeletal and neuromuscular pain. It’s particularly effective for localized muscle tension and pain. Dr. Debbie Murdock will help you determine the best approach based on your symptoms and treatment goals. In some cases, a combination of both techniques may be recommended for optimal results. Based on this assessment, Dr. Murdock will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include acupuncture, dry needling, or other therapies.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture typically causes minimal discomfort. The needles used are extremely thin—much thinner than those used for injections or blood draws. Most patients feel a slight pinch or a tingling sensation as the needles are inserted, but this usually subsides quickly. Many people find acupuncture to be relaxing, and some even fall asleep during the treatment. If you have concerns about pain or discomfort, Dr. Murdock can adjust the technique to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.

What should I wear to my acupuncture appointment?

When coming in for an acupuncture appointment, it's important to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to areas such as your arms, legs, and back. Women should consider wearing a sports bra or a tank top with shorts. This will make it easier for Dr. Debbie Murdock to access the acupuncture points and ensure you have a comfortable experience during the session.

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Holistic Acupuncture in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

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Working with Debbie is great! She is a great listener and really cares about her patients. I'm so glad I found her!

- Linda A. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Matt Murdock, our dual-certified Nurse Practitioner and Sports Chiropractor—He can find the best treatment option for your specific needs.

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What's Our Approach to Acupuncture?

Dr. Debbie Murdock offers a unique, comprehensive approach to pain relief and overall wellness through acupuncture.

By blending Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) techniques with electroacupuncture and dry needling she provides effective treatments for both physical and psychological conditions.

Her expertise in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture, and Master Tung Acupuncture makes Dr. Debbie Murdock skilled in treating spinal and joint pain, chronic pain syndromes, and other common conditions.

In addition, she has a deep understanding of how to address psychological conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression, providing patients with a holistic and integrated approach to health and healing.

She focuses on more than just relieving pain, with a goal to restore balance and well-being in your life.

Whether you're dealing with chronic physical pain or looking for relief from emotional stress, her personalized care will help you achieve long-lasting results.

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What’s the Difference Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?

Acupuncture: Involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body based on Traditional Chinese Medicine to stimulate energy flow and restore balance.

Dry Needling: Dry Needling focuses exclusively on treating musculoskeletal and neuromuscular pain by targeting trigger points within the muscles with slightly thicker needles.

Both methods are highly effective, but responses can vary between individuals.

We offer the flexibility to use a combination of both techniques to achieve optimal results.

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Conditions We Treat

Acupucuture effectively addresses a variety of conditions, including:

Chronic Pain: Relief for back pain, neck pain, joint pain, and more.
Headaches and Migraines: Non-pharmaceutical treatment options.
Psychological Conditions: Alleviating anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
Sports Injuries: Recovery and rehabilitation support.
Stress and Tension: Reduces stress and promotes relaxation.

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A patient getting acupuncture treatment by Dr. Debbie Murdock

What to Expect During Your First Acupuncture Visit...

Listen to Your Concerns: She will review any information you gave prior to the appointment to gain a better understanding of your reasons for coming in.

Conduct a Comprehensive Assessment: When you have your appointment she will evaluate your condition and symptoms to understand your overall health.

Check for Imbalances: Next, she will identify any energy blockages or imbalances in your body. For any living organism to function properly, there must be a balance between Yin and Yang.

Discuss Treatment Options: She will explain how acupuncture or dry needling can benefit your condition.

Create a Personalized Plan: Finally, she will develop and initiate your personalized treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What is Acupuncture and How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is a holistic treatment rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are aligned with the body’s energy pathways, known as meridians, to stimulate the flow of Qi (energy) and restore balance. This process can help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall wellness.
How Should I Choose Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
Choosing between acupuncture and dry needling depends on your specific needs and health goals:

Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on restoring the body’s energy balance by targeting specific points along the meridians. It’s beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including pain management, stress relief, and emotional well-being.

Dry Needling is a more recent technique that targets trigger points within muscles to relieve musculoskeletal and neuromuscular pain. It’s particularly effective for localized muscle tension and pain.

Dr. Debbie Murdock will help you determine the best approach based on your symptoms and treatment goals. In some cases, a combination of both techniques may be recommended for optimal results.
Based on this assessment, Dr. Murdock will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include acupuncture, dry needling, or other therapies.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture typically causes minimal discomfort. The needles used are extremely thin—much thinner than those used for injections or blood draws. Most patients feel a slight pinch or a tingling sensation as the needles are inserted, but this usually subsides quickly.

Many people find acupuncture to be relaxing, and some even fall asleep during the treatment. If you have concerns about pain or discomfort, Dr. Murdock can adjust the technique to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
What should I wear to my acupuncture appointment?
When coming in for an acupuncture appointment, it's important to wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to areas such as your arms, legs, and back. Women should consider wearing a sports bra or a tank top with shorts. This will make it easier for Dr. Debbie Murdock to access the acupuncture points and ensure you have a comfortable experience during the session.

What Our Patients Say...

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Take the first step toward holistic healing and pain relief. Schedule your acupuncture appointment with Dr. Debbie Murdock.

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Acupuncture in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and Nearby Areas

We proudly serve patients from Santa Rosa Beach and the surrounding areas, including Destin, Miramar Beach, Seaside, and along the scenic 30A corridor.

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area and looking for acupuncture near me, we are conveniently located and ready to improve your health.