For many people, the word acupuncture immediately brings to mind pain relief. And while acupuncture is widely known for helping conditions like back pain, arthritis, and headaches, its benefits go far beyond simply easing discomfort. Today, acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a valuable complement to modern medical care by supporting the body’s natural healing processes and helping patients improve their overall health and well-being.
At Cullman Internal Medicine, we are excited to offer acupuncture to our patients because we believe healthcare is about treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. Integrative approaches such as acupuncture can work alongside traditional medicine to help patients manage chronic conditions, reduce stress, and support better overall health.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice that originated in traditional Chinese medicine more than 2,000 years ago. It involves the insertion of very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points correspond to pathways known as meridians, which are believed to influence the flow of energy throughout the body.
While the traditional explanation refers to balancing energy, modern research has helped explain acupuncture in medical terms. Studies suggest that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, triggers the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, improves circulation, and influences how the brain processes pain and stress signals.
In other words, acupuncture works with the body’s own biology to promote healing.
The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin, much thinner than those used for injections or blood draws. Most patients report minimal discomfort, often describing a slight tingling, warmth, or pressure at the treatment site.
How Acupuncture Works with the Body
One reason acupuncture has gained acceptance in modern healthcare settings is its ability to influence several important physiological systems.
- Stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers
- Reduce inflammation in muscles and joints
- Improve blood flow to injured or irritated tissues
- Regulate the nervous system
- Support the body’s stress response
For patients dealing with chronic pain, stress, fatigue, or other ongoing health concerns, this shift can make a meaningful difference in how they feel day to day.
More Than Pain Relief
Although pain management is one of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture, its benefits extend much further.
Many patients find acupuncture helpful for:
Chronic headaches and migraines
Neck and back pain
Arthritis and joint discomfort
Stress and anxiety
Sleep difficulties
Digestive issues
Fatigue and low energy
Because acupuncture works by supporting the body’s regulatory systems, it often helps multiple symptoms at once. For example, someone who initially seeks treatment for back pain may also notice improved sleep, reduced stress, or increased energy levels.
This whole-body effect is part of what makes acupuncture a valuable addition to comprehensive medical care.
A Complement to Traditional Medicine
One of the biggest misconceptions about acupuncture is that it is meant to replace conventional medical treatments. In reality, acupuncture is most effective when used alongside modern medicine, not instead of it.
Integrative care combines the strengths of both approaches. Traditional medical treatments diagnose and manage disease, while therapies like acupuncture can help address symptoms, improve quality of life, and support the body’s natural healing ability.
For example, acupuncture may be used to support pain management alongside physical therapy or medication, help reduce tension and stress that contribute to headaches, improve sleep during treatment for chronic conditions, and support recovery after illness or injury
Here at Cullman Internal Medicine, we believe patient care focuses on evidence-based approaches that improve health outcomes. When used appropriately, acupuncture can be an effective part of that strategy.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Visit
Many people are curious about what actually happens during an acupuncture session. The experience is typically calm, relaxing, and surprisingly comfortable.
A visit usually begins with a discussion about your health history, symptoms, and overall wellness goals. This helps guide the treatment plan and identify the acupuncture points that may be most beneficial.
Once the treatment begins, thin needles are gently inserted into selected points on the body. The number of needles varies depending on the condition being treated. Most patients relax comfortably for about 20–30 minutes while the needles remain in place.
Many people describe the experience as deeply relaxing. It is not uncommon for patients to feel calm, sleepy, or even energized afterward.
Because acupuncture works with the body’s natural processes, benefits often build over a series of treatments rather than occurring all at once.
The Role of Acupuncture in Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain affects millions of Americans and can significantly impact quality of life. Conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and chronic muscle tension often require a combination of treatment approaches.
Acupuncture has become an increasingly popular option for people seeking additional relief beyond medication alone. By stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, acupuncture can help interrupt pain signals and promote the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals.
For some patients, this may help reduce reliance on pain medications or provide relief when other treatments have not fully resolved symptoms.
Because chronic pain often involves inflammation, muscle tension, and nervous system sensitivity, acupuncture’s ability to address multiple pathways at once can be particularly helpful.
Stress Reduction and Whole-Body Wellness
Another powerful benefit of acupuncture is its impact on stress.
Modern life places constant demands on the body and mind. Chronic stress can contribute to headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, sleep problems, and even increased pain sensitivity.
Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system by encouraging a shift from the body’s stress response to a more relaxed state. This can lower levels of stress hormones and promote feelings of calm and balance.
Over time, many patients report improved sleep, better focus, and an overall sense of well-being.
When combined with healthy lifestyle habits—such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and good sleep hygiene—acupuncture can be an important tool for maintaining long-term health.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
When performed by trained professionals using sterile, single-use needles, acupuncture is considered very safe.
Side effects are generally minimal and may include slight soreness or mild bruising at the needle site. Serious complications are extremely rare.
Patients with certain medical conditions or those taking blood-thinning medications should discuss acupuncture with their healthcare provider before beginning treatment.
Patient safety and quality care are always the priority. Integrative treatments are recommended thoughtfully and in coordination with a patient’s overall healthcare plan.
A Holistic Approach to Better Health
Healthcare today is evolving. More patients are looking for comprehensive approaches that address not only disease but also overall wellness and quality of life.
Acupuncture offers a unique way to support the body’s natural healing processes while working alongside modern medical treatments. From pain relief and stress reduction to improved sleep and energy, its benefits extend far beyond what many people expect.
Our goal is to provide compassionate, patient-centered care that supports long-term health. By combining trusted medical expertise with integrative therapies like acupuncture, our patients have more tools available to help them feel their best.
If you are curious about whether acupuncture could support your health goals, please reach out to us at Cullman Internal Medicine. Integrative care may open the door to new ways of feeling better, naturally and effectively.
Bethany is a board-certified family medicine Nurse Practitioner. She grew up in Cullman, watching her father, a physician, and her mother, a nurse, care for patients with both their hearts and hands. She learned from them that not only working hard, but loving and treating patients like family would develop the career that best suited her desire to help others. She has been caring for patients at Cullman Internal Medicine for 25 years. Building long-lasting relationships with her patients is important to her, and she genuinely enjoys being a part of their lives. She strives to provide compassionate, competent medical care which fosters an environment of mutual trust and respect.
Bobi Jo Creel is a board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ANCC-ACNP) with over 20 years of nursing experience. Born and raised in Cullman County, Alabama, she is deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to adults and seniors in her local community.
Alicia is from Thomasville, Ga, but practiced in Burlington, Iowa from 2017 until joining Cullman Internal Medicine in 2025. Most of Alicia’s experience is in rural primary healthcare, which is where she learned of her passion for caring for patients with diabetes. From 2023 – 2025, her sole focus was assisting individuals in manage their condition more effectively, with a strong emphasis on long-term health and prevention of complications.
Pam is a lifelong resident of Marshall County and a graduate of Albertville High School, Class of 1976. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1981. Pam began her career in emergency and critical care nursing, serving in both the ER and ICU. When Marshall Medical Center North (MMCN) opened in 1990, she became the Nurse Manager of the ICU.
Stacey Varden is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner who works alongside Dr. Jeremy Stidham in Internal Medicine. She earned her Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and collectively has over 18 years of nursing experience. Before becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she served as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at Children’s of Alabama, where she developed a strong foundation in acute and compassionate patient care.
Lorie Jones is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner born & raised in Cullman, Alabama. Her nursing career began in 1997 after earning her Licensed Practical Nursing diploma from Wallace State Community College, followed by an Associate Degree in Nursing in 2000. She gained extensive clinical experience working at both Woodland Medical Center and Cullman Regional Medical Center before advancing her education to become a nurse practitioner.
Mollie Dockery, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a passion for providing compassionate, evidence-based care to patients of all ages. With over 14 years of nursing experience and two years in advanced practice, Mollie brings a deep understanding of patient needs, especially in managing chronic conditions and promoting preventive health. Her approach is rooted in empathy, education, and a strong commitment to individualized care.
Kristy is known for providing personalized, expert care in Sleep and Lung Health, where she empowers patients thru education, awareness, supportive listening and compassionate guidance. A Cullman native, Kristy is deeply rooted in our community and shares a sincere
With over 15 years of nursing experience, Nancy Cornell is a dedicated and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner (NP) committed to providing high-quality care to her patients. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Western Governors University in 2017, she went on to complete her Master’s degree in Nursing in 2022. For two years, Nancy has been a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, applying her expertise in community urgent care to treat a diverse range of health needs.
Clark Still is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Cullman Internal Medicine. Clark is also the founder of New Beginnings Counseling of Cullman. He specializes in Christian-Based Professional Counseling.
Charlie Thornton has spent more than 24 years caring for others in a variety of healthcare roles—including paramedic, registered nurse, and for the past 10 years, nurse practitioner. He began his training at Wallace State Community College, completed his nursing degree at Jacksonville State University, and went on to earn graduate degrees from the University of South Alabama, where he became board certified as both a Family Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
Jeremy Stidham, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has been caring for patients in Cullman for more than 15 years. He currently serves as President of Cullman Internal Medicine and the Cullman Physician Alliance, where he works alongside a team of dedicated colleagues to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Nathan is a highly experienced Nurse Practitioner with a rich background spanning over two decades in healthcare. For the past ten years, Nathan has been a vital part of the CIM team as a Nurse Practitioner, also serving as a hospitalist nurse practitioner when needed. His extensive foundation was built over 19 years as a critical care registered nurse. Nathan is an alumnus of Wallace State Community College (RN), Jacksonville State College (BSN), and UAB (MSN), holding his nurse practitioner certification from the ANCC.
Dr. Benjamin Rogers obtained a degree in Classical Studies from Hillsdale College before attending medical school at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He then completed an internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Wake Forest University. He joined Cullman Internal Medicine in 2012.
Morgan McHugh, CRNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a special focus on diabetes management. A native of Hartselle, Alabama, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Dr. Erin Britt is a compassionate physician proudly serving her local community as a hometown provider. Raised in Cullman, Alabama, Dr. Britt graduated from Cullman High School. Her desire to care for others lead to enrollment at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM), where she earned her medical degree.
The goal of my practice is to help patients achieve optimal health. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, taking care of our mental health, and achieving quality sleep are all crucial for feeling good and living a healthy, enjoyable life. However, sometimes weight gain and hormone imbalances can get in the way.
Naykala is a Triple Board-Certified physician with over 25yrs of experience, dedicated to delivering comprehensive patient-centered care. Her practice emphasizes a whole-body approach, combining traditional Internal Medicine with advanced training in Obesity Medicine and Medical Acupuncture. She evaluates complex medical conditions with a focus on identifying root causes–especially those contributing to weight gain—and provides thoughtful, integrative treatment plans. Naykala’s 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force deepened her commitment to non-pharmacologic pain management, and acupuncture has become a meaningful part of how she cares for patients.
Dr Parker grew up in Cullman County and attended West Point High School. His path to medicine was not direct. After high school, He attended Wallace State Community college and received an associates degree in business. Shortly after graduating Brian was married to his wife Karen. Unsure of what to do next he left his job as a butcher for the local Walmart distribution center where he would work for the next 7 years. After reflecting on his goals and desire to help others he decided to pursue medicine.
Dr. Vintson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician originally from Cullman. She graduated medical school from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, AL, and completed residency training at UAB Family Medicine in Huntsville. Dr. Vintson practices medicine seeing the patient as a whole person, understanding there are many components of one’s life that affects overall health and wellness. She loves seeing a variety of patient ages throughout her day and feels this is what makes family medicine and primary care so special. In addition to routine primary care she especially enjoys women’s health and preventative medicine, including Pap smears and menopause care, as well as diabetes management, nutrition, and mental health care. Dr. Vintson loves the Lord and enjoys time on the lake with her family, fishing, hunting, gardening, and podcasts. She has two young children and a loving husband of 12 years.
Dr. Adam Harrison is proud to serve his hometown of Cullman as a dedicated physician. A local from East Elementary through Cullman High, he earned his Biomedical Sciences degree from Auburn University, completed medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and his residency at UAB Huntsville Family Medicine. Drawn by the opportunity to give back to his community, Dr. Harrison chose to build his career at Cullman Internal Medicine.