Did you know that acupuncture is a useful tool for stress management? An acupuncturist can select specific acupuncture points to instill calmness, improve sleep and energy. They will perform an intake, and individualize a treatment plan for you. A series of 6-10 half hour sessions follows weekly, then every 2-4 weeks. Many people enjoy monthly maintenance sessions thereafter. You may feel a difference immediately, and you can see a difference if you use acupuncture with biofeedback. One biofeedback tool is Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which records your heart rate rhythm. You will see it normalize from session to session. Does acupuncture hurt? Acupuncture is the use of very thin needles (as thin as a hair) which are inserted into specific meridian points. You may feel a quick prick, like an insect bite, and it should not be painful. Natalie Cheng-Kai-On is a Registered Acupuncturist and Licensed Naturopathic Doctor.