01/09/2026
One of the most common questions we get: “Why are you putting needles in my feet when my back hurts?”
Great question. In acupuncture, we often use distal points, which are points located away from the area of pain. Your body has meridians, or energy pathways, that connect different areas. A point on your foot might be part of the same channel that runs through your lower back. By stimulating that point, we can influence what’s happening higher up along the channel.
This is especially helpful in community acupuncture, where you stay fully clothed and comfortable in a recliner. We can treat your whole body by working with points on your lower arms, lower legs, head, and ears.
Research shows that distal points can be just as effective as needling directly at the site of pain, and sometimes even more powerful. The body is interconnected. A point on your ankle can ease your back. A needle in your hand can calm your mind.
Link in bio to read the full post about how distal points work.
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