Acupuncture

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It's one of the most studied complementary therapies and is increasingly integrated into mainstream pain management programs.¹

How It May Work²

Traditional View

• Balances "qi" (energy flow)
• Clears blockages in meridians
• Restores body's natural balance

Modern Understanding

• Stimulates nerves and muscles
• Releases endorphins
• Affects pain-processing pathways
• May reduce inflammation
• Activates natural healing responses

Evidence³

Best Evidence For

• Chronic low back pain
• Neck pain
• Osteoarthritis (especially knee)
• Chronic headaches and migraines

Some Evidence For

• Fibromyalgia
• Myofascial pain
• Tennis elbow
• Post-operative pain

What to Expect

First Visit

• Health history review
• TCM assessment (pulse, tongue)
• Treatment plan discussion

Treatment

• Thin needles inserted at specific points
• Usually 5-20 needles per session
• Needles left in place 15-30 minutes
• May feel tingling or dull ache (normal)
• Generally not painful

Safety

• Generally very safe with licensed practitioner
• Use of sterile, single-use needles essential
• Minor side effects: bruising, slight bleeding
• Serious complications rare

Finding a Practitioner

• Licensed acupuncturist (LAc)
• Some MDs and PTs trained in acupuncture
• Check credentials and licensing
• Ask about experience with your condition

What to Know

• Multiple sessions usually needed
• Effect may be cumulative
• Often used with other treatments
• Insurance coverage varies
• Give adequate trial (6-8 sessions)

Types of Acupuncture

• Traditional needle acupuncture
• Electroacupuncture (mild electrical stimulation)
• Auricular (ear) acupuncture
• Dry needling (technique overlap)

References

1. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. J Pain. 2018;19(5):455-474.
2. Zhao ZQ. Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol. 2008;85(4):355-375.
3. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166(7):514-530.