Acupuncture presents numerous advantages: endorsed by thousands of research studies and nearly 4,000 clinical guidelines, it delivers enduring relief for various conditions, is well-regarded by patients, and supplements other therapies, fostering both physical and emotional health.
The primary advantages of acupuncture include:
Acupuncture therapy is substantiated by thousands of research investigations.
Acupuncture treatment is endorsed in nearly 4,000 clinical directives.
Acupuncture treatment offers enduring benefits.
Acupuncture treatment can assist with multiple symptoms.
Patients report elevated levels of satisfaction.
Acupuncture needles are comfortable.
Acupuncture can be concurrently utilized with other treatments.
Acupuncture can contribute to physical and emotional health.
Introduction
Acupuncture is among the most ancient and esteemed forms of complementary and alternative medicine globally. It has been employed for over 3,000 years to address a range of ailments.
Its popularity and recognition, both among patients and the medical community, continue to grow annually. So, what are the primary benefits of acupuncture?
Acupuncture is validated by thousands of scientific investigations.
Over the past 50 years, tens of thousands of research studies, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, have been published, demonstrating that acupuncture is an effective intervention for a broad array of medical conditions.
In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report regarding acupuncture’s efficacy. They identified 31 conditions for which acupuncture was demonstrated to be effective and an additional 63 conditions for which there was at least some evidence supporting acupuncture’s potential benefits.
In 2017, the authors of The Acupuncture Evidence Project, following a review of thousands of trials, uncovered moderate to high-quality evidence for acupuncture’s effectiveness in 117 out of 122 studied conditions. Stephen Janz, one of the authors, concluded:
“It is no longer feasible to assert that the effectiveness of acupuncture can solely be attributed to the placebo effect or that it is beneficial only for musculoskeletal pain.”
In the UK, in 2021, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidelines on chronic pain management. Acupuncture represents one of only four evidence-supported treatments recommended for chronic primary pain.
In their 2021 guidelines ‘Headaches in over 12s: Diagnosis and Management,’ NICE also advocated for acupuncture in the prevention of tension headaches and migraines.
Acupuncture aids your body in natural recovery
The human body possesses an extraordinary capacity for self-healing. When unwell or injured, our bodies generate various healing substances to facilitate recovery. Stimulation of acupuncture points has been shown to affect the central nervous system, promoting the release of neurotransmitters and enhancing the body’s inherent healing mechanisms.
For instance, to alleviate pain, acupuncture induces an increase in endorphin levels, the body’s natural analgesics. Conversely, some prescribed opioid medications function by imitating the effects of endorphins. However, unlike acupuncture, opioid medications are addictive, produce side effects, and are responsible for at least 1.5% of deaths in the general population and 20% of fatalities among younger adults aged 24-35.
Acupuncture treatment is secure
Safety research demonstrates that acupuncture, when performed by a certified acupuncturist, is secure for all individuals, including adults, infants, children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, patients receiving cancer therapy, and those with weakened immune systems.
A comprehensive review on the safety of acupuncture published in The British Medical Journal in 2021 determined that:
“Acupuncture can be regarded as one of the safer interventions in medicine. Serious adverse events (SAEs) are infrequent, and the most prevalent minor adverse effects (AEs) are quite mild.”
The authors of the examination emphasize that the low frequency of adverse occurrences correlates with a high standard of acupuncture education. Consequently, patients should ensure that they consult only fully certified acupuncturists.
Another advantage of acupuncture is that patients frequently experience enduring enhancements in their health following the completion of a treatment regimen.
A substantial meta-analysis conducted in 2017, which included 29 studies and 17,922 participants suffering from chronic pain, revealed that 90% of the benefits of acupuncture persisted at 12 months in comparison to individuals who did not undergo acupuncture.
The lasting effects of acupuncture have been documented in various health issues, including menopausal symptoms, constipation, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, elevated AMH hormone levels in patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), among others.
This enduring impact is attributed, at least in part, to acupuncture’s capacity to induce neuroplasticity alterations in the brain. In other words, acupuncture fundamentally reconfigures brain function for enhanced efficacy, something that very few therapies can achieve.
Acupuncture addresses multiple symptoms
One of the benefits of acupuncture over alternative treatments, such as pharmaceutical medications, is its ability to target multiple symptoms concurrently. For instance, patients experiencing chronic pain often also endure depression and sleep disturbances. Acupuncture can alleviate all of these symptoms simultaneously.
Patients receiving acupuncture report a high degree of satisfaction. For instance, in one study, 79% of acupuncture patients indicated that the treatment provided at least some relief for their primary condition, while 55% reported significant assistance.
Acupuncture needles are comfortable
Acupuncture is not only effective but also a comfortable and pleasant procedure. Acupuncturists utilize exceptionally fine needles, as thin as human hair. As a result, patients will barely feel them upon insertion.
Acupuncture can be utilized alongside other treatments:
Acupuncture can be employed in tandem with other therapies. For example, it is commonly adopted by individuals undergoing infertility or cancer treatments.
Acupuncture is beneficial not only for those with health conditions. Regular acupuncture recipients report comprehensive health advantages, including:
Improved sense of control over personal health
Decreased stress levels and enhanced relaxation
Enhanced sleep quality
Better emotional wellbeing
Increased capacity to manage health challenges
Heightened sense of health and wellness
Improved interpersonal relationships
Considerations when selecting an acupuncturist
Acupuncture is safe and effective when conducted by a fully qualified acupuncture practitioner.
In 2020, the World Health Organization revised its recommendations concerning acupuncture education. The WHO advises that acupuncturists should complete a minimum of 1,568 hours of fundamental training or 2,468 hours of advanced training. This is comparable to a three-year degree program.
Acupuncture is a scientifically supported, safe, and efficacious method for treating a diverse array of health issues. Its use spans over 3,000 years, and its acceptance is growing as an increasing number of individuals recognize its advantages. Acupuncture can address a singular symptom or multiple symptoms concurrently. It can also promote overall wellness. When selecting an acupuncturist, it is essential to verify that they have undergone sufficient training and possess a degree-level qualification.
By Peter Farquharson, DTCM, Acupuncturist & Certified Clinical Herbalist
References:
World Health Organization. Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials. Geneva: 2002.
McDonald J, Janz S. The Acupuncture Evidence Project. A Comparative Literature Review. Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association 2017.
Overview | Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in individuals over 16: assessment of all chronic pain and management of chronic primary pain | Guidance | NICE. https://www. nice.org. uk/guidance/ng193 (accessed 16 Nov 2022).
Recommendations | Headaches in individuals over 12: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE. https://www. nice.org. uk/guidance/cg150/chapter/Recommendations (accessed 16 Nov 2022).
Birch S. Update on publications by medical expert groups (Clinical Practice Guidelines, Treatment Guidelines) that make recommendations regarding acupuncture. 2022.