Current:Home > NewsHow does acupuncture work? Understand why so many people swear by it. -NextGenWealth
How does acupuncture work? Understand why so many people swear by it.
View
Date:2025-04-27 19:00:42
Among the many traditional Eastern medicine practices enjoyed in the West, few are as sought after as acupuncture. The practice is beneficial in similar ways that other applications are, but is older and more studied than many of the rest.
Acupuncture is the process of inserting tiny needles into one's skin to treat certain health conditions and symptoms.
With its use in Chinese medicine dating back more than 3,000 years and its use in Europe beginning in the early 1800s, acupuncture has only grown in popularity over the centuries. And it's unique in that it's appreciated as both a holistic treatment option and as conventional medicine.
What is acupuncture?
"It's a treatment for balancing the vital flow of energy − known as qi (pronounce "chi”) through pathways or meridians in the body," explains Denise Millstine, MD, women's health and integrative medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
The needles used in acupuncture are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which requires them to be solid, steel and sterile. Such needles may be manipulated manually or stimulated by small electrical currents. Acupuncture participants may feel a small prick when each needle is inserted, but because the needles are much thinner than medical needles, the practice is considered more pain-free than getting a shot at the doctor.
Acupuncture has been extensively researched, with comprehensive overviews demonstrating many proven benefits including fibromyalgia pain reduction, allergy symptom relief, and alleviation against shoulder and neck tension. It's especially popular for pain management related to musculoskeletal pain, dental pain, chemotherapy related pain, and labor pain, per Mayo Clinic. "And we use acupuncture for women during menopause to help with hot flashes," says Millstine.
"It can also be quite effective to relieve discomfort associated with lower back pain, joint pain, headache, and we commonly use it to address fatigue, addiction, neuropathy and tinnitus − ringing in the ears," she adds. Another of its studied benefits is that acupuncture can help control inflammation and stimulate one's immune system.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is performed by having an acupuncturist insert each needle into one's skin across multiple areas called acupoints. In Chinese medicine, each pathway or meridian is related to a specific organ or region of the body, so, Millstine explains, placing the needles "at these strategic acupoints" causes various reactions such as sending blood or lymphatic system fluid to the area.
The inserted needles are also thought to rebalance one's energy and improve pain or stress by prompting the release of natural chemicals and by stimulating nerves to promote relaxation in one's musculoskeletal system.
How soon do you see the benefits of acupuncture?
While acupuncture has many such benefits, more often than not, its results don't come overnight. It usually takes a series of sessions to treat many issues − and even more when dealing with complex or chronic conditions. The good news is that according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, for many conditions, acupuncture's effects often continue a year after treatment has ended.
Still, acupuncture is not for everyone. People with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or anyone taking blood thinners should avoid acupuncture; as should anyone with a pacemaker since even mild electrical pulses can potentially interfere with its operation.
Common short-term side effects of acupuncture include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Because each needle is disposable and created for single use only, "the risk of infection is minimal," says Millstine. "Acupuncture is considered safe when performed by a certified, licensed acupuncture practitioner," she adds.
Green tea shot:How should you take this ancient medicine?
veryGood! (214)
Related
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- How U.S. Unions Took Flight
- Brazil forward Rodrygo denounces racist abuse on social media after match against Argentina
- Colts LB Shaquille Leonard stunned by release, still shows up for turkey drive
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- These Are the 42 Can't-Miss Black Friday 2023 Fashion & Activewear Deals: Alo Yoga, Nordstrom & More
- Rescuers in India hope to resume drilling to evacuate 41 trapped workers after mechanical problem
- OxyContin maker’s settlement plan divides victims of opioid crisis. Now it’s up to the Supreme Court
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Why are sales so hard to resist? Let's unravel this Black Friday mystery
Ranking
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Win at sports and life: 5 tips from an NFL Hall of Famer for parents, young athletes
- Mexico arrests alleged security chief for the ‘Chapitos’ wing of the Sinaloa drug cartel
- A very Planet Money Thanksgiving
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- All the Reasons to Be Thankful for Ina Garten and Husband Jeffrey's Delicious Love Story
- Nevada judge rejects attempt to get abortion protections on 2024 ballot
- Zoë Kravitz Shares Glimpse of Her Gorgeous Engagement Ring During Dinner Date With Fiancé Channing Tatum
Recommendation
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
The pilgrims didn't invite Native Americans to a feast. Why the Thanksgiving myth matters.
Winner of $1.35 billion Mega Millions jackpot in Maine sues mother of his child to keep identity hidden
Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius up for parole Friday, 10 years after a killing that shocked the world
Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
In political shift to the far right, anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders wins big in Dutch elections
El Nino-worsened flooding has Somalia in a state of emergency. Residents of one town are desperate
Ukraine says 3 civilians killed by Russian shelling and Russia says a drone killed a TV journalist