Does Acupuncture Really Work?

Acupuncture is a time-honored traditional method with roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It works by inserting fine needles into the skin to stimulate specific points in your body, aiming to regulate and balance your body’s energy flow. Many studies suggest its effectiveness in treating some specific conditions, particularly pain.

What is Acupuncture?

Origins of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine

Acupuncture is a practice that traces its roots back about 3000 years to TCM. It’s believed that it balances the flow of energy or life force (also known as Qi). According to TCM, Qi circulates through specific pathways or meridians, and maintaining a balanced flow of Qi is crucial for health. Over the centuries, acupuncture techniques were developed and refined. Today, acupuncture is used worldwide. In the United States, it’s mostly used for pain relief.

How acupuncture is performed

In an acupuncture session, a trained acupuncturist gently inserts very fine needles into specific points on the skin. The points are believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body. The aim is to stimulate these points to restore balance and promote healing. In addition to traditional needle insertion, some practitioners may use electrical stimulation or other techniques to enhance the effects. The process is typically painless, and many people find it relaxing.

Are There Different Types of Acupuncture?

Traditional acupuncture is the classical form rooted in ancient Chinese texts and principles, focusing on balancing Qi to address a wide range of conditions. In addition to traditional methods, there are several other different styles and approaches that have specialized techniques and focuses:

• Electro-acupuncture involves applying a small electrical current to the acupuncture needles. This technique can enhance their effects and stimulate the points more effectively.

• Auricular acupuncture targets points on the ear, based on the idea that the ear reflects the entire body. By stimulating specific points on the ear, various conditions can be treated. Auricular acupuncture is commonly used for issues such as addiction, stress, and pain management.  

• Scalp acupuncture involves placing needles in the scalp and is often used for neurological conditions or to improve cognitive function.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Autonomic nervous system effects

Your nervous system contains three anatomically distinct divisions. These are sympathetic (fight or flight), parasympathetic (rest, digest, freeze), and enteric nervous system (related to gut health). 

Research indicates that acupuncture helps balance the activities of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems by regulating autonomic functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and neurotransmitter activity. This balance contributes to acupuncture’s therapeutic effects on conditions like cardiovascular diseases, anxiety, and circadian rhythm disorders. While these findings are promising, further research is needed to clarify how different acupoints may activate distinct pathways within the autonomic nervous system.

Neurotransmitters effects

Acupuncture stimulates the release of certain bioactive chemicals, including endorphins, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a role in pain relief and mood regulation.

For example, endorphins are considered the body’s natural painkillers because they can block the perception of pain. This explains why acupuncture is often effective for pain management. 

Acupuncture’s ability to release serotonin also improves pain, as well as insomnia and depression, which may be related to abnormal levels of serotonin. 

Norepinephrine — also known as noradrenaline — is a hormone that functions both as a hormone and as a neurotransmitter in the body. Acupuncture helps balance norepinephrine levels, improve attention and cognitive function, and relieve stress symptoms.

Placebo effects

Evaluating acupuncture’s efficacy compared to placebo controls can be challenging. Some studies suggest that the benefits of acupuncture may be due in part to placebo effects.

For instance, a 2020 study found that patients who experienced pain relief from previous acupuncture sessions also reported reduced pain after undergoing a video-guided acupuncture imagery treatment. During this treatment, participants watched videos of previous acupuncture sessions they had undergone. While this study highlights the role of placebo effects in acupuncture, it also suggests that video-guided acupuncture imagery may be effective in managing various conditions.

What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

Managing chronic pain

Acupuncture has been shown to provide immediate pain relief (including musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and abdominal pain) compared to sham treatments. It’s also shown to be effective in chronic pain management, with long-lasting results even a year after the treatment. 

Relieving migraines: A 2020 study compared acupuncture with migraine medications and found that acupuncture was slightly more effective at reducing migraines. Additionally, participants receiving acupuncture were less likely to stop treatment due to side effects compared to those taking migraine medications.

Treating fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by widespread pain and tenderness throughout the body, along with fatigue and sleep disturbances. It can be challenging to treat. Acupuncture has also shown some promising results in reducing pain associated with fibromyalgia. However, further research is necessary to prove its effectiveness, as the benefits may be due to the placebo effect.

Improving myofascial pain syndrome: Myofascial pain syndrome is a long-term condition that affects muscles and fascia (the tissue that surrounds them). In a study that looked at the therapeutic effect of acupuncture in treating myofascial pain syndrome, 40 patients were given two treatments per week in a four-week period. Patients reported significant and immediate improvements in reducing pain sensation.

Relieving discomfort associated with cancer treatments

Cancer treatments often come with a range of painful side effects. Fortunately, acupuncture has emerged as a complementary therapy to help manage these discomforts.

Relieving pain related to hormone therapy medications: Aromatase inhibitors are a type of hormone therapy that can treat and prevent breast cancer. According to results from a large study on premenstrual women with early-stage cancer, acupuncture may  reduce joint pain caused by aromatase inhibitors. 

Reducing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapy which can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce the severity of these symptoms, allowing patients to maintain better function and quality of life during their cancer treatment journey.

Improving digestive health

Acupuncture's benefits extend beyond pain management, with growing evidence supporting its role in improving digestive health.

Reducing IBS symptoms: A study explored the effectiveness of acupuncture on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and found that participants had significant improvements in constipation, bloating, pain, and depression compared to other groups. The study concluded that acupuncture could effectively reduce IBS symptoms and may serve as an alternative treatment.

Alleviating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD can cause heartburn and other digestive discomforts. Preliminary studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce GERD symptoms by improving digestive function and regulating the body's stress response, which can exacerbate acid reflux.

Supporting respiratory health

For those with respiratory conditions, acupuncture offers a natural approach to managing symptoms and improving overall lung function.

Relieving seasonal allergies: Acupuncture has been shown to potentially help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis or hay fever.

Improving asthma: A 2021 study showed the effectiveness of treating cough-variant asthma by reducing relapse rates and improving lung and immune function. 

Helping with other conditions

Acupuncture's versatility is evident in its application to a wide range of health issues, offering potential benefits for several other conditions.

Treating urinary incontinence: Acupuncture is also explored as a potential treatment for urinary incontinence. However, its effectiveness is inconclusive and suggests further research.

Improving sleep quality: Insomnia and sleep disturbances are common issues that can affect overall health and well-being. Acupuncture has shown potential in improving sleep quality by regulating the body's natural sleep-wake cycle and reducing stress and anxiety. For individuals struggling with chronic insomnia, acupuncture offers a non-pharmacological option to enhance sleep and restore balance.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

In the United States, the use of acupuncture needles has been regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1996. This means that people who perform acupuncture are licensed practitioners who are well-trained and follow strict guidelines to ensure your safety.

Acupuncture is highly safe if it’s practiced by competent and licensed practitioners. However, there may also be adverse effects in rare cases. These adverse effects may include: 

• Pain

• Bleeding or bruising

• Drowsiness

• Nausea

• Dizziness

You should tell your practitioner if you have one more of the following conditions:

• A metal allergy

• An infection in the areas where needles are being inserted

• A bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture is generally well-tolerated by most people, but the sensation can vary depending on individual sensitivity. The needles used are very thin, and are much finer than those used for injections. They are typically inserted shallowly into the skin. While some may feel a slight pinch or tingling as the needle is inserted, others may experience a deeper, dull sensation known as "deqi," which is considered a positive sign that the needle has reached the right spot.

What to expect during an acupuncture session

During an acupuncture session, you can expect a calm and relaxing environment. The practitioner will first assess your condition and ask about your medical history to determine the most appropriate points for treatment. 

Once the treatment begins, the practitioner will carefully insert the needles into specific points on your body. You may feel a slight prick when the needle is inserted, followed by a sensation of warmth, tingling, or pressure. After the needles are in place, they are usually left for about 20 to 30 minutes while you relax. Some people find the experience so relaxing that they fall asleep.

How to manage discomfort and pain during treatment

If you experience discomfort during your acupuncture session, it’s important to communicate with your practitioner. They can adjust the needles or their technique to ensure your comfort. Some mild soreness or bruising around the needle insertion points can occur after the session, but this is usually temporary. To minimize any discomfort, make sure to eat a light meal before your appointment, stay hydrated, and avoid intense exercise immediately after treatment. If you're particularly sensitive to pain, discussing this with your practitioner beforehand can help them adjust the session to your needs.

How LifeMD Can Help 

Acupuncture has promising effects in addressing a variety of health conditions, from chronic pain to digestive issues. While LifeMD does not provide acupuncture treatments, a team of board-certified healthcare professionals is available to address a variety of health needs, including pain management, digestive health, seasonal allergies, and more.

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