Centro Holistico Takes Us Step By Step with Getting Acupuncture
Whether you're navigating a demanding career, balancing your hormones, or simply craving a moment of stillness, acupuncture at Centro Holistico offers reconnection. One needle at a time.
Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Centro Holistico
April 13, 2025
There’s a particular kind of stillness that fills the air at Centro Holistico. Tucked away in the heart of the city, the wellness space is a gentle refuge for the modern soul — and perhaps nowhere is this more apparent than when you're lying face up on a treatment bed, needles delicately placed along your meridians, the hum of energy subtly shifting beneath your skin.
Acupuncture, long associated with the mystique of traditional Chinese medicine, is having a moment — not in a fleeting trend sense, but in a grounded, back-to-the-body way that resonates with those seeking real healing. At Centro Holistico, the centuries-old practice is approached with quiet reverence and thoughtful intention. And for those unfamiliar with the treatment, the team is dedicated to guiding you through the process, step by step.
The Art of the Needle
At first mention, the idea of being pricked with needles may stir unease — but rest assured, these are not the kind of needles you fear at the doctor’s office. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, flexible, and designed to work with the body, not against it. When placed correctly, they target specific points known as acupoints, areas mapped along the body’s energy channels, or meridians.
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that vital energy — or qi (pronounced "chee") — flows through these pathways. Stress, illness, and trauma can disrupt this natural flow, leading to imbalances in the body. Acupuncture works to restore harmony, realigning the currents of qi, blood, and bodily fluids.
In practice, a typical session at Centro Holistico involves a brief consultation followed by gentle needle insertion — anywhere from five to twenty, depending on your needs. You may feel a subtle tightness or a dull ache, almost as if your body is exhaling tension you didn’t know you were holding. And when the needle is removed? Relief, like a quiet sigh released through the skin.
Beyond Pain Relief
While acupuncture has long been sought out for pain management — from chronic lower back issues to post-operative nausea — its scope has expanded. At Centro Holistico, the treatment is offered as part of an integrative approach to wellness. Think stress reduction, emotional release, hormone regulation, and even cosmetic rejuvenation.
Acudetox: Healing Through the Ears
One standout offering is acudetox, a protocol developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA). Up to five fine needles are gently placed along the outer ear, corresponding to points that help regulate cravings, calm the nervous system, and ease emotional tension. It’s recommended for those navigating anxiety, insomnia, and even recovery from addiction — including the more common culprits like sugar, processed food, or caffeine.
Cosmetic Acupuncture: Beauty, From the Inside Out
If you’re looking to glow, cosmetic acupuncture provides a more natural alternative to injectables. By stimulating collagen production and enhancing circulation in the face, the treatment lifts, tones, and revitalizes the skin. The results? A softening of fine lines, reduced puffiness, and a lit-from-within luminosity that no highlighter can quite replicate.
What to Expect — And How You’ll Feel
During your session, you’ll lie on a padded bed, perhaps beneath a cozy blanket, as your acupuncturist checks your pulse and gently inserts each needle. Some may be placed far from the area of concern — a needle in the ankle to treat a migraine, for example — but that’s part of the magic. Once in place, the needles remain for about 10 to 15 minutes, giving your body time to respond.
Many describe the feeling as meditative. Some float away into a nap, others into a stillness rarely achieved in daily life. And after? You might walk out the door feeling like you’ve just returned from a three-day retreat — deeply relaxed, a little more centered, maybe even a little taller.
Acupuncture isn’t a cure-all, and it’s not for everyone. But for many, it’s a powerful complement to their wellness routine. Centro Holistico encourages clients to try it with an open mind and listen to their body’s response. Some feel an immediate shift; others notice a gradual unwinding over time.
