Acupuncture is a medical treatment system that involves applying small needles or pressure to specific points on the body. The roots of this treatment system trace back to traditional Chinese medicine, where health is believed to originate from balancing “qi,” meaning life energy, and encompassing the yin/yang dualism flowing through all physical entities. Acupuncture aims to reduce excess qi or unblock stagnation along specific channels in the body known as meridians. It is a non-pharmacological treatment option for various diseases and symptoms. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating conditions such as acute or chronic back pain, knee pain in osteoarthritis, myofascial pain, and headaches.
Acupuncture needles are typically flexible, ranging from 10 to 100 mm and made of stainless steel. Thin and short needles are used for the head and neck. They must be single-use and sterile. During sessions, usually 5 to 20 needles are inserted into acupuncture points determined based on the disease. The practitioner places the needles while the patient lies down and relaxes, and they remain in place for 10 to 20 minutes. Some sensitivity may occur during placement, but pain is usually minimized with a quick insertion. Generally, acupuncture should be performed in a calm and quiet environment, respecting the patient’s privacy.
Before starting acupuncture, patients typically undergo a comprehensive interview and examination by the practitioner. The medical history, both traditional and physical, is considered, along with a specific analysis of the tongue and radial pulse. The underlying premise is that the individual’s mental state and emotions reflect on the physical condition. The needles are left in place for 10 to 20 minutes after application.
Complications arising from acupuncture are generally rare and mostly associated with less experienced practitioners.
Acupuncture is recommended as a first-line non-pharmacological treatment for chronic low back pain by the American College of Physicians. It is also suggested for use in chronic headaches or migraines with inadequate response to pharmacological treatment. Additionally, acupuncture is widely used in cancer patients not only for pain control but also for addressing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery supports the use of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis. It is also utilized for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating fibromyalgia.
Physicians should have a basic understanding of this method and be open to alternative and complementary medicine approaches for their patients. Acupuncture practitioners should inform patients and other healthcare professionals about the foundation and benefits of acupuncture.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the following conditions for which acupuncture has proven effectiveness:
- Hypertension and hypotension
- Nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy
- Certain stomach disorders, including peptic ulcers
- Dysmenorrhea
- Dysentery
- Allergic rhinitis
- Facial pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sprains
- Tennis elbow
- Sciatica
- Dental pain
- Reducing the risk of stroke
- Inducing labor
- Fibromyalgia
- Neuralgia
- Postoperative recovery
- Substance, tobacco, and alcohol addiction
- Spinal pain
- Neck pain
- Vascular dementia
In conclusion, acupuncture has strong evidence of effectiveness in treating many diseases and is considered safe in the hands of certified physicians. This robust scientific support is impressive and beneficial for patients within the context of a traditional health system where almost half of the treatments lack evidence. Acupuncture is also a very cost-effective option compared to many traditional treatments, with more evidence and relatively safer outcomes. Patients, physicians, and health administrators can be assured that acupuncture treatment is a safe, cost-effective, and evidence-based recommendation for patients.
References:
Huang W, Johnson TM, Kutner NG, Halpin SN, Weiss P, Griffiths PC, Bliwise DL. Acupuncture for Treatment of Persistent Disturbed Sleep: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Veterans With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Clin Psychiatry. 2018 Dec 11;80(1) [PubMed]
Lacey JM, Tershakovec AM, Foster GD. Acupuncture for the treatment of obesity: a review of the evidence. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2003 Apr;27(4):419-27. [PubMed]
Mayhew E, Ernst E. Acupuncture for fibromyalgia–a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2007 May;46(5):801-4. [PubMed]
PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]. National Cancer Institute (US); Bethesda (MD): Jun 23, 2021. Acupuncture (PDQ®): Health Professional Version. [PubMed