Dr. Angelica Kokkalis, O.M.D L.Ac.

What Does Acupuncture Do? Pros and Cons Explained

Acupuncture, one of the oldest healing practices in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for thousands of years to restore balance, ease pain, and promote overall wellness. At The Han Institute in West Lafayette, Dr. Angelica Kokkalis combines her extensive training in both Eastern and Western medicine to help patients experience the benefits of this time-honored therapy.

What does acupuncture do?

In TCM, acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to influence the flow of Qi (pronounced chee), or vital energy. When Qi becomes blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to pain, illness, or emotional distress. By gently inserting fine, sterile needles into these points, acupuncture helps to:

• Restore balance in the body’s energy systems
• Relieve pain by stimulating the nervous system and releasing endorphins
• Support emotional health by calming the mind and reducing stress
• Improve circulation and reduce inflammation
• Enhance the body’s natural healing response

Modern research also shows that acupuncture affects neurotransmitters, hormones, and the immune system, making it a powerful complement to conventional care.

What are the pros of acupuncture?

• Natural and drug-free – Offers an alternative to medications for pain and stress.
• Personalized treatment – Each session is tailored to your body’s needs.
• Broad application – Can help with pain management, digestive issues, sleep disturbances, anxiety, women’s health, and more.
• Minimal side effects – When performed by a licensed acupuncturist like Dr. Kokkalis, acupuncture is safe and gentle.
• Supports whole-body wellness – Goes beyond symptom relief to address root imbalances.

What are the cons of acupuncture?

• Temporary soreness or bruising – Some patients may feel mild tenderness at needle sites.
• Multiple sessions may be needed – Acupuncture is often most effective as part of a series of treatments.
• Not a quick fix – Healing takes time and consistency.
• Varies by individual – While many experience great benefits, results can differ from person to person.

A balanced approach

At The Han Institute, Dr. Kokkalis integrates acupuncture with other holistic therapies—including herbal medicine, nutrition guidance, and innovative treatments for neurological and chronic conditions. Her goal is to create a safe, calming environment where healing can unfold naturally.

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Are you in the West Lafayette, Indiana area and curious if acupuncture could help you?
Contact Dr. Angelica Kokkalis to schedule a consultation: Schedule a Visit or call (765) 497-0817.

The 5 Forbidden Points in Acupuncture: Why They Matter During Pregnancy

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years to restore balance, promote healing, and enhance well-being. While acupuncture is generally safe and highly beneficial, certain acupuncture points are considered “forbidden” during pregnancy due to their powerful effects on the body.

These 5 forbidden points are:

1. LI4 (Hegu) – located on the hand, between the thumb and index finger.
2. SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – found on the inner leg, above the ankle.
3. BL60 (Kunlun) – located near the ankle, behind the lateral malleolus.
4. GB21 (Jianjing) – found on the shoulder, midway between the neck and the edge of the shoulder.
5. BL67 (Zhiyin) – located at the tip of the small toe.

Why Are These Points “Forbidden”?

These points are not “forbidden” in the sense that they are harmful in general. In fact, outside of pregnancy, they are commonly used for a variety of therapeutic purposes such as relieving pain, reducing stress, or regulating energy flow. However, during pregnancy, these points are contraindicated because:

• They can stimulate uterine contractions, which may lead to miscarriage or premature labor.
• They strongly move qi and blood, creating effects that may destabilize the delicate balance required for a healthy pregnancy.
• Their stimulation can be too intense for the body during this sensitive time.

Safe and Supportive Acupuncture in Pregnancy

While these five points are avoided, many other acupuncture points are safe and even highly beneficial during pregnancy. Acupuncture therapy can help:

• Ease morning sickness and nausea
• Relieve lower back and hip pain
• Support healthy digestion and sleep
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Prepare the body for labor in the final weeks (using safe techniques and points)

At The Han Institute, Dr. Angelica Kokkalis carefully considers each patient’s health history, stage of pregnancy, and overall constitution when creating a treatment plan. Safety and holistic support are always at the forefront.

The 4 Golden Rules of Acupuncture for a Balanced Life

In the wisdom of classical Chinese medicine, health is not merely the absence of illness but the harmony of body, mind, and spirit with the natural rhythms of life. One of the simplest yet most profound teachings from this tradition is known as the Four Golden Rules of Acupuncture. These principles offer timeless guidance for maintaining balance, supporting the body’s energy (Qi), and cultivating overall well-being.

1. Eat only when hungry
In today’s world, eating often happens out of habit, convenience, or emotion rather than true hunger. By eating only when hungry, we allow the digestive system to function at its best, giving the body the nourishment it truly needs without burdening it with excess.

2. Drink only when thirsty
The body has an innate intelligence that signals when hydration is needed. Drinking only when thirsty honors these signals, preventing overconsumption and supporting the natural balance of fluids and energy within the body.

3. Take rest when tired
Rest is a vital part of health. Rather than pushing through fatigue, giving the body permission to rest when it needs to helps preserve Qi, strengthens immunity, and enhances the body’s ability to recover and heal.

4. Sleep early
Restful, restorative sleep is one of the cornerstones of health. Going to bed early aligns the body with natural circadian rhythms, allowing the body and mind to recharge and regenerate during the night.

Why These Rules Matter

Together, these 4 Golden Rules serve as gentle reminders to live in alignment with nature and with ourselves. They protect the body from unnecessary strain, nurture vitality, and allow the body’s own healing processes to flourish.

At the Han Institute, Dr. Angelica Kokkalis integrates these principles into her acupuncture practice, encouraging patients not only to receive treatment but to embrace these lifestyle practices as part of a holistic approach to wellness.

By following these simple but powerful rules, you give yourself the gift of balance, resilience, and the deep healing that comes from living in harmony with your own rhythms.

Understanding Alternative and Holistic Medicine: Examples, Differences, and Considerations

• What are examples of alternative medicine?
• What’s the difference between holistic and alternative medicine?
• What are the disadvantages of alternative medicine?

Understanding Alternative and Holistic Medicine: Examples, Differences, and Considerations

When people explore ways to support their health outside of conventional Western medicine, they often encounter terms like alternative medicine and holistic medicine. While these approaches share some similarities, they each have unique characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at what they mean, with examples, distinctions, and considerations to keep in mind.

What Are Examples of Alternative Medicine?

Alternative medicine refers to treatments and healing practices used in place of conventional medicine. Some widely recognized examples include:

• Acupuncture – a traditional Chinese medicine practice using fine needles to stimulate specific points on the body to restore balance.
• Herbal Medicine – the use of plants, roots, and natural extracts for healing purposes.
• Chiropractic Care – focusing on spinal alignment and musculoskeletal health.
• Homeopathy – a system that uses highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body’s healing response.
• Ayurveda – an ancient Indian system of medicine emphasizing diet, herbs, and lifestyle.
• Meditation and Yoga – practices that reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and support physical well-being.

What’s the Difference Between Holistic and Alternative Medicine?

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same:

• Alternative Medicine – focuses on using non-conventional therapies instead of standard Western treatments.
• Holistic Medicine – takes a whole-person approach, addressing body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Holistic care may include alternative therapies, but it can also integrate conventional treatments when beneficial.

For example, a holistic practitioner may recommend acupuncture for pain relief while also encouraging proper nutrition, stress management, and conventional check-ups with a medical doctor.

What Are the Disadvantages of Alternative Medicine?

While alternative medicine can provide many benefits, there are some considerations:

• Limited Scientific Evidence – not all alternative therapies have extensive research to support their effectiveness.
• Delayed Conventional Treatment – relying solely on alternative methods without medical supervision may delay necessary care for serious conditions.
• Quality and Safety Concerns – herbal supplements and remedies vary in purity, dosage, and regulation.
• Not Always Covered by Insurance – patients may face higher out-of-pocket expenses.

For these reasons, it is important to consult with a qualified practitioner and, when appropriate, combine alternative therapies with conventional medicine in an integrative, holistic approach.

Conclusion

Alternative and holistic medicine both aim to promote healing, but they take different perspectives. Alternative medicine offers options outside the mainstream, while holistic medicine integrates the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—often blending conventional and natural practices. By understanding their differences, benefits, and limitations, you can make empowered choices about your health journey.

Understanding Integrative Medicine: How It Differs from Holistic and Functional Approaches

• What is the meaning of integrative medicine?
• What is the difference between holistic medicine and integrative medicine?
• What is the difference between integrative and functional medicine?

When patients explore natural and complementary approaches to health, they often come across terms such as integrative medicine, holistic medicine, and functional medicine. While these approaches share common ground in emphasizing whole-person care, they are not identical. At The Han Institute, Dr. Angelica Kokkalis blends traditional Chinese medicine with modern integrative practices, helping patients better understand how these approaches can support healing and balance.

What is the meaning of integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine is a patient-centered approach that combines conventional medical treatments with evidence-based complementary therapies. The goal is not to replace traditional medicine but to enhance it by addressing the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of health. Examples of integrative therapies include acupuncture, nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, stress management, and mindfulness practices.

By uniting the best of both worlds—modern science and time-tested traditions—integrative medicine empowers patients to take an active role in their healing journey.

How is holistic medicine different from integrative medicine?

Holistic medicine is an approach that looks at the person as a whole, focusing on body, mind, and spirit. It emphasizes prevention and lifestyle choices, aiming for balance and harmony. However, holistic medicine does not necessarily integrate conventional medical practices.

Integrative medicine, on the other hand, combines the holistic perspective with conventional care. For example, a patient undergoing cancer treatment may use acupuncture for nausea and meditation for stress alongside chemotherapy. Integrative medicine therefore bridges the gap between holistic philosophies and modern medical science.

How does integrative medicine differ from functional medicine?

While both integrative and functional medicine take a root-cause approach, functional medicine is more focused on identifying underlying imbalances at the biochemical and physiological levels. Functional medicine often uses advanced diagnostic testing to uncover nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or gut health issues.

Integrative medicine, while it may use similar diagnostic tools, places more emphasis on the blend of therapies and the partnership between patient and practitioner. It looks at the whole person and often incorporates complementary practices like acupuncture, yoga, and nutritional guidance alongside conventional treatments.

In Summary

• Holistic medicine focuses on whole-person wellness but doesn’t necessarily combine conventional and complementary care.
• Integrative medicine blends conventional medicine with holistic and complementary therapies, offering a truly comprehensive approach.
• Functional medicine emphasizes investigating and addressing root causes at the physiological and biochemical level.

At The Han Institute, Dr. Angelica Kokkalis practices a unique form of integrative medicine, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and informed by modern research. This balanced approach supports patients on their journey to long-term health and well-being.