Acupuncture is a popular technique in alternative and holistic medicine that is thought to help with anxiety, fertility, weight loss and more.
Learn more about the health benefits and potential side effects, and find answers to two common questions: “Does it hurt? Is it safe?”
What is Acupuncture?
“Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment. [that] “It’s been around for thousands of years,” says Dr. Chiti Parikh, executive director of the Integrative Health and Well-Being Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in collaboration with Cornell Medical College, “and it’s done by inserting thin needles into specific anatomical points in the body.”
These specific acupuncture points are found all over the body, and the acupuncture points for symptoms such as pain may be far away from where the pain is occurring. The needles are usually left in place for 15 to 30 minutes.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is based on the concept that vital energy, called chi, flows through the body along specific pathways called meridians, Parikh explained.
Imagine these energy channels as being like a stream of water flowing through your body: when something like a tree falls, it can block the flow of water.
“When these pathways are blocked, the flow of energy is impeded, leading to illnesses in the body,” Parikh explained.
Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of symptoms and illnesses, she said.
“Studies have shown that acupuncture may be effective for a variety of pain conditions, including back and neck pain, knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, headaches, cancer-related pain, post-surgery pain, anxiety and infertility,” Parikh said.
According to research compiled by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, acupuncture can also be effective for the following conditions:
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asthma
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
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depression
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Hot flashes (associated with menopause)
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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migraine
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Myofascial pain syndrome
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no smoking
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Sciatica
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Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis, hay fever)
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Treatment-related nausea and vomiting in cancer patients
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Urinary incontinence
Does acupuncture hurt?
Because the needles used in acupuncture are smaller than those used in other medical procedures, “it’s usually not painful,” Parikh says.
Dry needling vs acupuncture: what’s the difference?
Compared to acupuncture, dry needling is a “relatively new technique,” Parikh said. Acupuncture needles are inserted into points along energy meridians, whereas dry needling involves inserting larger needles into trigger points within muscles to release tension and reduce pain, which can make dry needling painful. Acupuncture can be performed by a licensed and trained acupuncturist, whereas dry needling can be performed by a licensed and trained physical therapist.
Safety of acupuncture
Parikh said acupuncture was safe as long as it was “performed by a qualified and trained acupuncturist.”
The Mayo Clinic agrees in its online guide to acupuncture.
“Acupuncture poses a low risk when performed by a competent, qualified acupuncturist using sterilised needles,” he said, adding: “Disposable needles are now the standard so the risk of infection is minimised.”
The Mayo guide advises patients considering acupuncture to tell their practitioner if they have a bleeding disorder, have a pacemaker or are pregnant.
People with blood disorders or who take blood thinners may experience bleeding or bruising, acupuncture uses mild electrical pulses through the needles, which can disrupt pacemakers, and some acupuncture points may induce premature birth, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Side effects of acupuncture
You may feel a little weak after treatment, and “it’s recommended to rest and stay hydrated (drink water),” says Parikh.
How often should I receive acupuncture treatment?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a typical prescription is six to eight acupuncture sessions, depending on the condition being treated and its severity.
An acupuncture session can take up to an hour.
What the Doctor Says
Parikh’s final verdict was that acupuncture is safe and beneficial.
Conclusion
You could also try acupuncture, but be sure to talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional first.
Source: Chiti Parikh, MD, executive director of the Integrative Health and Wellbeing Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City
References
Mayo Clinic: Acupuncture
MedlinePlus: Medical Encyclopedia
National Institutes of Health: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
