Fatigue: America’s most common health complaint — and how acupuncture can help

c of exhaustion

Fatigue is now the most common health complaint in the United States. According to the CDC, around 1 in 8 adults report feeling “very tired or exhausted” most days or every day.
👉 CDC MMWR report, 2024

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, long-term fatigue has become even more widespread. Millions of Americans are experiencing ongoing exhaustion, brain fog, and mood changes long after illness.
👉 CDC: Long COVID overview

Fatigue rarely exists on its own. It often overlaps with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, hormonal imbalance, and nervous system dysregulation — a web of mind-body interactions that make simple solutions hard to find.

What causes fatigue?

Fatigue can arise from multiple factors, including:

• Chronic stress and overactivation of the nervous system

• Immune or inflammatory responses after infection

• Sleep disturbance and pain

• Metabolic or hormonal imbalance

• Emotional strain and burnout

In most cases, fatigue represents not one single problem, but a breakdown in the body’s natural ability to restore balance — a dynamic interplay between physical, emotional, and neurological health.

Where acupuncture fits in

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to support the body’s self-regulating systems. Modern research continues to uncover mechanisms that help explain its effects on fatigue and related symptoms.

1. Nervous system regulation
Studies show acupuncture can influence the autonomic nervous system — shifting the body out of a constant “fight or flight” state and into “rest and restore.” This helps normalize energy, sleep, digestion, and mood.
👉 Review: Acupuncture and autonomic regulation (PMC)

2. Improved circulation and energy metabolism
By promoting microcirculation and oxygen delivery, acupuncture may enhance cellular energy production — what traditional Chinese medicine describes as the movement of qi and blood.

3. Relief of pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbance
Acupuncture activates natural pain- and stress-relieving pathways in the brain, increasing endorphins and serotonin. These changes can ease physical discomfort and calm the mind — both essential in addressing chronic fatigue.
👉 NCCIH overview on acupuncture research

4. Evidence for fatigue and post-viral recovery
Clinical studies and systematic reviews have found that acupuncture can reduce fatigue levels and improve quality of life in people with chronic or post-infectious fatigue syndromes.
👉 Systematic review: Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (PMC, 2022)

Why this matters now

After years of heightened stress, illness, and social strain, many people are still feeling burnt out, ungrounded, and depleted. Addressing this kind of deep fatigue isn’t just about getting more rest — it’s about helping the body remember how to restore itself.

Acupuncture offers a safe, evidence-supported, and holistic way to encourage that recovery process. It works gently with the body’s own systems to restore balance, support resilience, and bring the nervous system back into a state of calm awareness.

About my clinic

I love running a $20–$50 sliding-scale acupuncture clinic designed to make care accessible to everyone!

If you’re struggling with fatigue, brain fog, or nervous system overwhelm, acupuncture can be a valuable ally in your recovery.

Be healthy,

Marc

The Science Is Catching Up!

In this edition of my newsletter, I dive into the latest groundbreaking research on acupuncture, revealing how this ancient practice is backed by modern science as a powerful, evidence-based therapy. From unraveling the mechanics behind distal needling (a technique where needles are placed far from the actual site of pain or issue) to exploring its ability to create lasting changes in pain pathways and its proven efficacy across a spectrum of common health challenges, I'll show why acupuncture stands as a formidable tool in today's medical landscape—one that offers real, measurable benefits and complements conventional care seamlessly. Whether you're dealing with chronic discomfort, seeking natural wellness options, or simply curious about holistic health, these insights highlight opportunities you won't want to overlook.Why Distal Acupuncture Works: A Simple ExplanationDistal acupuncture is a technique where needles are placed far from the actual site of pain or issue, rather than directly on it—for example, needling points on your hand or foot to address back pain or headaches. This approach often surprises patients, but new research explains why it works so effectively. It turns out it's all about the body's connective tissues acting like a connected web. When a needle is inserted and gently twisted, it creates a "pull" that deforms nearby tissues, sending fast mechanical signals (like ripples in a pond) up to 4 inches away. These signals activate cells to release tension, reduce inflammation, and promote healing remotely, explaining the "distant effects" without needing to needle the sore spot directly. This makes treatments quicker, more comfortable (no undressing needed), and effective for issues like pain or stress.Read the full study here: Integrative research on the mechanisms of acupuncture mechanicsLasting Pain Relief: How Acupuncture Rewires Your BodyAcupuncture isn't just a quick fix—it sparks your body's own pain-fighting chemicals (like endorphins) and changes how your brain processes pain signals for long-term relief. Recent studies reveal it can even tweak gene activity in the brain to dial down chronic pain, making effects stick around after sessions end, all without meds or side effects. Think of it as teaching your nervous system to stay calm and block pain naturally.Check out the review: Efficacy, Safety and Mechanisms of Acupuncture for PainProven Benefits Across Common ConditionsA massive analysis of over 800 high-quality studies confirms acupuncture's real benefits for 10 everyday health issues, including chronic pain, low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, migraines, tension headaches, postoperative nausea, cancer-related fatigue, menopausal symptoms, female infertility (as an add-on to treatments), and chronic pelvic pain. Backed by solid evidence, these findings underscore acupuncture's role as a reliable, effective option in modern healthcare.See the full review: The state of evidence in acupunctureWith science like this demystifying how acupuncture taps into your body's natural mechanics, rewires pain pathways, and tackles a wide range of issues, it's an obvious, drug-free solution for so many modern health woes—from everyday aches to deeper imbalances. At Village Acupuncture, where I specialize in efficient distal techniques like those from the Tung lineage, and offer sessions on a flexible $20-50 sliding scale in a welcoming community space, it's truly a no-brainer to give it a try and see the difference for yourself.

Healing the Mind, Healing the Body

As an acupuncturist with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how our thoughts and emotions shape our health. Chronic conditions like anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease, long COVID, and autoimmune disorders often stem from more than just diet or environment—our minds play a central role. Toxic emotions, amplified by the constant noise of social media and unfiltered global news, can keep our nervous system in overdrive, fueling these conditions. The good news? Acupuncture, rooted in the Tung family lineage I studied under Palden Carson, can help calm the mind and body, restoring balance. By combining treatments with simple practices like shoulder-dropping, mindful breathing, or limiting screen time, you can release emotional tension and support lasting healing. In today’s world, children, teens, and adults face unprecedented mental strain from social media’s unfiltered lens. Unlike the past, when parents curated a safe, vibrant world for their kids, today’s instant access to distressing news can overwhelm us. At Village Acupuncture, we’re here to help you reclaim a “sound mind” with affordable, community-focused care ($20-$50 sliding scale). Take Action Today

• Try this at home: Set gentle alarms every 2 hours to check and drop your shoulders, releasing tension and retraining your brain.

Convincing Friends and Family: bulletpoints!

Alright, patients, listen up—I’m arming you with the perfect pitch to trick—er, encourage—your pals to book a slot and keep my needles buzzing! Picture this: your friend’s moaning about their achy back or how they’re one email away from a meltdown. You swoop in with a sly grin and say, “Hey, you gotta try acupuncture—my guy’s a wizard, and I’m basically doing you a favor.” Here’s your ammo to pack my waiting room:

• Pain? Poof! Gone!: Tell ‘em studies—like the fancy ones from the National Institutes of Health—say this stuff zaps chronic pain. Back, neck, migraines? My needles are like tiny superheroes, unleashing endorphins and telling pain signals to take a hike. “You’ll thank me when you’re not wincing every step!”

• Stress Slayer: Your buddy’s a walking stress ball? Acupuncture’s their chill pill—minus the pill. A 2017 review (yeah, I’ve got receipts) says it slashes cortisol and makes sleep a dream. “You’ll be so zen, they’ll think you’ve joined a cult—but nope, just my needles!”

• Mystery Bonus: Some folks whisper it might even juice up your whole vibe—wellness, resilience, you name it. The World Health Organization’s cool with it for tons of stuff. “Could it fix your life? Who knows—roll the dice and find out!”

• Needle Ninja Bragging Rights: Drop this: “My acupuncturist’s so good, they’re juggling 15+ patients a day—probably blindfolded. You’re next in line for the magic touch!” (Okay, don’t say blindfolded, but you get it.)

So, lean in close, flash that “I’ve got a secret” smirk, and hit ‘em with: “Try it—no big beliefs required, just show up. Worst case, you’ve got a hilarious story; best case, you’re my new BFF because I saved your sanity!” With millions hooked and science nodding along, they’ll be begging for my number—and I’ll be over here, needles ready, thanking you for the full house! Now, go fill my schedule—I’ve got a yacht to buy! (Kidding… or am I?)