Acupuncture is an ancient technique of traditional Chinese medicine. Its goal is to prevent and cure certain diseases and conditions by inserting very fine, solid needles into different points on the body.
How does acupuncture work?
National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat the following: Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy.
——National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Acupuncture stimulates the body’s ability to resist or overcome diseases or conditions by correcting imbalances. Acupuncture also helps the body produce chemicals that decrease or eliminate painful sensations.
There are hundreds of acupuncture points (called acu-points) along the 14 major meridians, or energy-carrying pathways, of the body. Sixteenth-century Chinese physicians used the term “Qi” (pronounced “chi”) to describe the energy that circulates along the meridians. The belief that disease is caused by a disruption of Qi, which causes an imbalance of energy. Acupuncture can correct this energy imbalance.
There are many theories of how acupuncture actually works. When acupuncture points are stimulated, they cause a dull ache or other sensations in the muscle. One theory says that the stimulated muscle and sensory neurons send a message to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord), causing the release of endorphins (natural pain-relieving chemicals) and other neurotransmitters (chemicals in the body that modify neuron impulses), which help block the pain message from reaching the brain and also have other regulatory effects.
Other experts believe that acupuncture works by transmitting signals through the fasciae. Fasciae are thin sheaths that contain all the muscles in the body. Some acupuncturists believe that the meridians are actually the myofascial chains – which helps explain why stimulating an acupuncture point on the lower leg can affect the back or another part of the body. Interestingly, research shows that acupuncture points have a lower electrical resistance than surrounding areas. In a practical sense, the meridian system provides a navigable energetic map of the body for acupuncturists to locate and treat various conditions.
Read more: Acupuncture: How does it work?
What happens during acupuncture treatments?
After discussing your condition, the acupuncturist will examine you to find reactive areas and to determine which points to use. Acupuncture needles are sterile, pre-packaged, disposable, and as thin as a few hairs. Needles are inserted at various depths, from a fraction of an inch to two inches. Dress a little looser (they give you gowns), because you will have to partially undress in order to receive acupuncture. Come clean but not heavily scented because many patients have sensitivities to chemicals. After the needles are inserted and stimulated, they stay in for anywhere from two minutes to 20 minutes.
In a series of treatments, the acupuncturist will use different combinations of points and different needling techniques. These combinations help stimulate new sources of healing while noting how the patient responds to the treatment.
What conditions are treated with acupuncture?
Although acupuncture is not a “cure-all” treatment, it is very effective in treating various diseases and conditions. Acupuncture is most effective in treating chronic pain, such as headaches, menstrual cramps, and lower back, neck, or muscle pain. It can also be used to treat osteo-arthritis, facial pain, spastic colon, and repetitive strain conditions. Acupuncture can also improve the functioning of the immune system (the body’s defense system against disease).
For certain conditions, such as cancer, acupuncture should be used in combination with other treatments.
Also read: Acupuncture vs. dry needling: how to choose?
What are the sensations of acupuncture like?
You may feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, but it is much less than the prick you feel during an injection because the needles are so fine.
You may feel a weight, numbness, tingling, or mild pain after the needles are inserted. A feeling of deep weight or numbness, called “Deqi” (pronounced dachi) means that the treatment is working. The patient says the word “yes” to the acupuncturist when he or she feels this.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced, well-trained practitioner using sterile needles. Improperly performed acupuncture can cause serious side effects.
——NCCIH
Yes. When acupuncture is done with disposable needles in clean and sterile conditions, it is very rare to have any complications.
One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than many drugs or medications, or accepted medical procedures for the same conditions.
