For thousands of years, acupuncture has been a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), offering a drug-free approach to managing pain and various other ailments. But in a world dominated by Western medicine, the question remains: does acupuncture really work?
This ancient practice, involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, has been met with both enthusiastic endorsements and skeptical scrutiny. From ancient theories of “qi” to modern neurological research, we’ll delve into the evidence, exploring the science, the controversies, and the lived experiences surrounding this intriguing practice.
As Mark Twain famously said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Perhaps understanding acupuncture’s potential is part of that “why” for some.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a key component of TCM, a holistic system of medicine that views health as a balance of opposing forces, Yin and Yang, and the flow of vital energy, known as “qi,” through pathways called meridians1. According to TCM theory, illness arises when this flow of qi is disrupted. By inserting fine needles into specific acupuncture points along these meridians, practitioners aim to restore balance and promote healing2. This process is often described as achieving “de qi,” a sensation of tingling, numbness, or heaviness at the insertion site3.
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The Western View: From Skepticism to Scientific Inquiry
For many in the West, the concept of qi and meridians has been difficult to reconcile with modern scientific understanding4 5. Early Western perspectives often dismissed acupuncture as pseudoscience or a mere placebo effect6. As the saying goes, “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” However, as research methods have advanced, a growing body of scientific inquiry has begun to explore the physiological mechanisms by which acupuncture might exert its effects.
In short, in the beginning, no one wanted to believe that a few needles could help cure disease (and indeed it would have been incredible).
How Might Acupuncture Work?
While the TCM explanation focuses on qi, modern research has proposed several physiological mechanisms that may explain acupuncture’s effects, particularly in pain management:
- The Gate Control Theory: This theory suggests that acupuncture stimulates nerve fibers that block pain signals from reaching the brain7.
- Endorphin Release: Studies indicate that acupuncture can trigger the release of endorphins8, the body’s natural painkillers.
- Adenosine Release: A groundbreaking study by Maiken Nedergaard, a neuroscientist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, found that acupuncture stimulates the release of adenosine, a molecule that has pain-relieving properties9. This research, conducted on mice, showed a significant increase in adenosine levels near the insertion sites after acupuncture. This research is important because it begins to offer a biological explanation for acupuncture’s effect, moving beyond anecdotal evidence.
- Neuromodulation: Research using neuroimaging techniques like fMRI has shown that acupuncture can affect activity in various brain regions involved in pain processing10.
Although it is difficult to understand, modern medicine still proves through reliable methods that this acupuncture method can help us, at least as an alternative therapy11.
What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized acupuncture as an effective treatment for a range of conditions, including:
- Pain Management: This includes back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, and migraines12.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Particularly post-operative nausea and vomiting and chemotherapy-induced nausea13.
- Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Some studies suggest acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms14.
It’s important to note that while evidence supports acupuncture’s effectiveness for these conditions, further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and efficacy for other ailments.
Acupuncture and Chronic Pain: A Closer Look
Chronic pain, a persistent and often debilitating condition, is one area where acupuncture has shown particular promise. Many individuals with chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain have found relief through acupuncture when conventional treatments have failed15. While some studies suggest that acupuncture’s effects on chronic pain may be partly due to the placebo effect16, the consistency of positive results across numerous trials suggests a more complex picture.
Yes, if you’re really desperate for chronic illness and pain, acupuncture is another way out (it doesn’t have to be sky-high).
The Placebo Effect: Separating Fact from Fiction
The placebo effect, a phenomenon where a sham treatment produces a real improvement in symptoms, is a significant factor in many medical interventions, including acupuncture17. Some studies have shown that “sham acupuncture,” where needles are inserted at incorrect points or don’t penetrate the skin, can also produce pain relief18. This has led some to argue that acupuncture’s benefits are solely due to placebo. However, the fact that acupuncture has shown measurable physiological effects, such as the release of adenosine, suggests that it involves more than just psychological influence19.
Addressing the Skepticism and Misinformation
Despite the growing body of research, skepticism about acupuncture persists. Some critics point to a lack of rigorous, large-scale studies, while others are concerned about the variability in practitioner training and standards. As with any medical practice, it’s crucial to seek out qualified and licensed acupuncturists.
Q&A
- Is acupuncture safe?
- When performed by a qualified and licensed practitioner using sterile needles, acupuncture is generally considered safe20. Serious side effects are rare.
- Does acupuncture hurt?
- Most people experience minimal discomfort during acupuncture. The needles are very thin, and the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache21.
- How many treatments are needed?
- The number of treatments needed varies depending on the condition being treated and individual response. A typical course of treatment might involve several sessions over a few weeks.
- Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
- In some countries, including parts of the US and Canada, some insurance plans may cover acupuncture, particularly for pain management22. It’s best to check with your insurance provider.
Bottom line
The question of whether acupuncture works is not a simple yes or no. While the traditional explanations of qi and meridians may not align with Western scientific frameworks, a growing body of research suggests that acupuncture can have measurable physiological effects, particularly in managing pain.
While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and efficacy for all conditions, acupuncture offers a potentially valuable, drug-free option for those seeking relief from chronic pain and other ailments.
Like the ancient Chinese proverb says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Perhaps exploring acupuncture is a step worth taking for some on their journey to wellness.
Trusted source
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture#:~:text=What%20is%20acupuncture%3F,Traditional%20Chinese%20medicine%20(TCM). ↩︎
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-effectiveness-and-safety ↩︎
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/de-qi-sensation ↩︎
- https://www.dc-acupuncture.com/physical-health/qi-and-meridians ↩︎
- https://scholar.google.com/scholar_url?url=https://yizhe.dmu.edu.cn/data/article/yxyzx/preview/pdf/2007-12A-27.pdf&hl=zh-CN&sa=X&ei=HwyCZ5LPH8Wl6rQPw921sAQ&scisig=AFWwaebcMEg-bXgMvSiL5pZE2TdI&oi=scholarr ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4578107/ ↩︎
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/gate-control-theory ↩︎
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15135942/ ↩︎
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23182227/ ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4270153/ ↩︎
- https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/bioethics/resources/the-acupuncture-alternative/ ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3291665/#:~:text=Acupuncture%20has%20also%20been%20shown,shoulder%20pain%20and%20lower%20back ↩︎
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1566070206002219 ↩︎
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture#:~:text=These%20are%20then%20activated%20by,works%20well%20for%20many%20conditions. ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3658605/#:~:text=Patients%20receiving%20acupuncture%20had%20less,)%20and%200.15%20(95%25%20C.I. ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6811493/ ↩︎
- https://www.healthline.com/health/placebo-effect ↩︎
- https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/both-real-sham-acupuncture-relieve-knee-pain#:~:text=After%206%20weeks%20of%20treatment,effective%20in%20lessening%20knee%20pain. ↩︎
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3467968/#:~:text=We%20found%20that%20adenosine%2C%20a,that%20its%20anti%2Dnociceptive%20actions ↩︎
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763 ↩︎
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture#:~:text=What%20does%20acupuncture%20feel%20like,is%20put%20into%20certain%20points. ↩︎
- https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/acupuncture#:~:text=Part%20B%20(Medical%20Insurance),-Covers%20certain%20doctors&covers%20up%20to%2012%20acupuncture,for%20chronic%20low%20back%20pain. ↩︎
