Acupuncture: What It Is & How It Helps

Acupuncture is an evidence-based therapy that uses hair-thin, sterile needles to activate your body’s natural healing response—proven to ease pain, calm stress, and support total wellness. At Thrive Acupuncture in Schaumburg, we treat everything from chronic back and neck pain to migraines, anxiety, fertility challenges, and more. Treatments are personalized for your unique needs and combined with years of clinical experience with a caring, gentle touch. Whether you’re seeking relief from stubborn symptoms or want to restore your health naturally, you’re in expert hands.

A person lying down receiving acupuncture treatment with thin needles inserted along their back and neck.
A practitioner places acupuncture needles on a client's forehead and around their eyes in a professional clinic setting.

How Acupuncture Works

From the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, acupuncture balances your body’s energy flow (Qi) by stimulating points along invisible meridians—helping clear blockages that contribute to pain or illness. Biomedically, needle therapy has been shown to boost circulation, release endorphins, and trigger anti-inflammatory effects, making it effective for both acute and chronic conditions. At Thrive, sessions start with a detailed consultation and may include pulse and tongue diagnosis to customize your care. Each needle is sterile, single-use, and inserted gently; most people feel little to no discomfort, and many find the experience deeply relaxing—even falling asleep during treatment.

Acupuncture Benefits & Evidence

Pain Relief:

Major studies—including a review of nearly 20,000 patients—show acupuncture provides significant, lasting relief for back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and headaches, outperforming standard care.


Stress & Anxiety Reduction:

Many patients notice a deep sense of calm and improved sleep after sessions; research shows acupuncture helps regulate stress hormones and supports mood balance.


Whole-Body Health:

Acupuncture can help regulate hormones, support fertility, and even boost immune function, providing a holistic path to wellness.

World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health both recognize acupuncture for dozens of conditions, from pain to digestive issues.

Your Treatment Experience at Thrive

Every visit begins with a one-on-one conversation—Dr. Gina takes time to listen, understand your history, and answer your questions. You’ll settle into a peaceful treatment room before gentle, precise needles are placed; most sessions last around 45 minutes, with needles retained for about 25. Many patients also receive complementary therapies (like moxibustion or gua sha) at no extra charge, if appropriate for your case. You’ll leave feeling calmer, with many noticing relief after just one or two visits.


Curious about acupuncture for fertility or chronic pain? Explore our Fertility Acupuncture and Pain Relief Acupuncture pages for more details.

Insurance & Medicare Coverage for Acupuncture

Thrive Acupuncture is in-network with BCBS Illinois and accepts most major insurance, making care accessible for more people. Medicare covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain when provided by a qualified practitioner—Dr. Gina is certified to deliver these treatments and help you get the benefits you deserve. Verifying your coverage is easy: just verify your insurance here, or call our clinic for personal assistance.

Convenient Schaumburg Location—Serving the Chicago Area

Our clinic is conveniently located in Schaumburg, near Woodfield Mall and major highways, making it easy for patients from Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, and across Chicagoland to access effective, natural pain relief. Our goal is to make every step—from booking to billing—simple and supportive.

Your Acupuncture Questions, Answered

  • Does acupuncture hurt?

    Most patients feel little to no pain—acupuncture needles are extremely thin, about the width of a hair. Some experience a brief tingling or a mild sensation, but many people relax so deeply during treatment that they fall asleep.

  • What conditions can acupuncture help with?

    Acupuncture is well-known for relieving chronic pain (back, neck, arthritis), headaches, migraines, anxiety, stress, digestive issues, and supporting fertility. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture for dozens of conditions.

  • Is acupuncture safe?

    Yes—when performed by a licensed professional like Dr. Gina Rasinski, acupuncture is very safe. We use only sterile, single-use needles and follow strict hygiene standards.

  • How many sessions will I need?

    The number of sessions varies by person and condition. Some people notice improvements after one or two visits; chronic or complex issues may require a series of treatments. We’ll discuss your goals and set a personalized plan at your first appointment.

  • Can you bill insurance or Medicare for acupuncture?

    Yes, Thrive Acupuncture is in-network with BCBS Illinois and accepts most insurance, as well as Medicare for eligible chronic back pain. You can easily verify your insurance here before your first visit.

  • What should I expect during my first appointment?

    You’ll receive a thorough consultation, have all your questions answered, and relax in a calm, private treatment room. After gentle needle placement, you can rest quietly—many patients describe leaving with a sense of calm and relief.