Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that has become a popular form of alternative medicine in Western cultures. This article explores what acupuncture is, its proposed benefits, and the evidence behind it as a complementary treatment approach.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture originated in China over 2,500 years ago and has evolved into a well-developed system of medicine.[1] It involves stimulating specific points on the body by inserting thin needles into the skin. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that these acupuncture points lie along meridians, or pathways, through which vital energy, or Qi, flows. Inserting needles at these points is believed to remove blockages and restore the proper flow of Qi to maintain health.[2]
Acupuncture stimulation causes the central nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and acetylcholine.[3] This is believed to boost the activity of the body’s natural healing systems. In the hands of a trained practitioner, acupuncture is generally considered safe when needles are sterile.[4]
Is Acupuncture an Alternative Medicine?
Acupuncture is considered a key component of traditional Chinese medicine and an alternative or complementary approach in Western medicine. It is one of the most widely used forms of alternative health care. According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, more than 14 million Americans used acupuncture in the previous year.[5]
Acupuncture can be used as an alternative to pain medication or combined with conventional treatments as part of an integrative approach to healing. Research indicates it may be helpful for various conditions, including:[6]
- Chronic pain (back, neck, knee, osteoarthritis pain)
- Headaches and migraines
- Post-operative pain and nausea
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
- Dental pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Addiction (alcohol, nicotine)
However, more high-quality studies are still needed to verify its efficacy for many purported uses. It is important to work with a licensed acupuncturist to evaluate if it may be beneficial for your health needs.
- Does Acupuncture Help Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)?
- Acupuncture as a Complementary Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
- The Power of Acupuncture for Glaucoma Treatment
- Acupuncture for Hormonal Acne
- Exploring the Cost of Fertility Acupuncture
Theoretical Basis of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles that view health as the result of balanced qi flowing through the body. Illness arises from imbalances or blockages in qi flow at different points along the meridians.[7] There are 12 primary meridians corresponding to specific organs, such as the lung, liver, and kidney meridians.
By inserting needles at precise acupuncture points along these meridians, blockages can be removed to restore equilibrium. Different point combinations are used to treat different diseases and symptoms. Some common acupuncture points include:
- LI4 (Hegu) – beneficial for pain relief, facial pain, headaches
- ST36 (Zusanli) – helps with gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, immunity
- LV3 (Taichong) – used for headaches, hypertension, anxiety
Modern science has worked to map acupuncture points to neural pathways and trigger points that may mediate its effects when stimulated.[8] However, lack of high-quality clinical trial evidence has prevented forming definitive conclusions on its mechanism of action.
Is Acupuncture Right for You?
Acupuncture is generally considered very safe when performed correctly by licensed acupuncturists using sterile disposable needles. However, you should let your acupuncturist know if you have any bleeding disorders or take blood thinners.[9] Some people may experience minor bleeding or bruising at needle sites.
Talk to your healthcare provider before beginning acupuncture if you have a pacemaker, are pregnant, or have any health conditions. While used for centuries in China, not everyone responds positively to acupuncture. It is important to find a reputable practitioner and be aware of any risks based on your medical history.
Acupuncture can be a helpful complementary treatment when performed by a trained professional. While questions remain on its mechanisms, acupuncture has the potential to provide natural pain relief and support wellbeing as part of an integrative approach to healthcare.
References:
[1] Acupuncture: In Depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-in-depth
[2] Acupuncture: What You Need To Know. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know
[3] Acupuncture: How it works, uses, benefits, and risks. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156488
[4] Acupuncture – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763
[5] The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://nccih.nih.gov/research/statistics/NHIS/2017
[6] Acupuncture: In Depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-in-depth#hed5
[7] Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-chinese-medicine-what-you-need-to-know
[8] Acupuncture – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763
[9] Acupuncture side effects and risks. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-side-effects-and-risks
