Many turning to acupuncture to relieve stress

PHOENIX, Ariz. (FOX 10) - If you're feeling stressed out, you're not alone. Many people are now looking at ways to combat their stress, including acupuncture.

A quiet space, dimmed lights, soothing music and needles. This is Modern Acupuncture in Phoenix.

"It's a common misconception that the needles hurt -- and they don't -- you feel a little bit of tingling, but that goes away quick and once a few go in you realize it's not what you thought it was, it's a lot more comfortable and really calming," said Stephen Gubernick, Chief Clinical Officer.

Modern Acupuncture has six locations in Arizona, 40 across the country. They say more and more people are coming in, looking for alternative ways to reduce stress in their lives.

"MRI studies with acupuncture actually works to reduce stress the stress centers from being activated in the brain," said Gubernick.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says a five year study they conducted from 2007 to 2012 showed 14 million people had used acupuncture at the end of their study. That was up from 8 million people when they started.

That number is expected to grow as Americans say they're experiencing more stress in their everyday lives. Patients can talk to their tech to figure out the best course of action for them.

"We know certain regions they treat are more effective than others for reducing stress or increasing blood flow throughout certain parts of the body," said Gubernick.