What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient therapeutic method derived from traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used for thousands of years to alleviate pain and treat various ailments. The procedure involves inserting thin acupuncture needles into precisely designated points on the body, aiming to restore the body’s energy balance and stimulate self-healing processes. Today, acupuncture has gained popularity worldwide, and its effectiveness is the subject of numerous scientific studies. In this article, we will provide detailed information about acupuncture, its history, mechanism of action, and the indications for acupuncture, including what conditions it treats and whether acupuncture is safe. We will also discuss the role of this method in the context of modern medicine.
Table of Contents:
1) History and origins of acupuncture
2) What is acupuncture according to chinese medicine?
3) The mechanism of acupuncture from the perspective of modern medicine
4) What does an acupuncture treatment look like?
5) Acupuncture needles – types and uses
6) Indications for acupuncture
7) Safety and side effects of acupuncture
8) How does acupuncture work in the context of western medicine?
9) Conclusion
History and origins of acupuncture
Acupuncture is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with roots dating back over 2,500 years. It is an ancient healing method first mentioned in medical texts such as the “Huangdi Neijing” – a classic Chinese medical text dating to around 200 BC. In ancient China, it was believed that the human body is a vessel through which life energy, known as "Qi," flows. Disruptions in this energy flow were thought to lead to illness, and acupuncture was a tool used to restore Qi balance by stimulating specific points on the body.
Over the centuries, acupuncture evolved and spread beyond the borders of China, reaching other Asian countries such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. In the 20th century, with the advent of globalization, acupuncture began to gain popularity in Western countries, where it is now used as both complementary and alternative medicine.
If you would like to learn more about the history of acupuncture and acupuncture needles, we encourage you to read the article: History of Acupuncture and Acupuncture Needles.
What is acupuncture according to chinese medicine?
The foundation of acupuncture is the theory of meridians, which are energy channels that run throughout the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture points are located along these meridians, which are strategic locations to influence the flow of Qi. By skillfully inserting needles into these points, the practitioner can harmonize the energy flow, aiming to restore health and balance in the body.
Each meridian is associated with specific internal organs, and disruptions in energy flow can manifest as physical or mental ailments. Acupuncture seeks to remove these energy blockages, leading to improved health in the patient.
The mechanism of acupuncture from the perspective of modern medicine
Although the theory of meridians and Qi is difficult to confirm using modern scientific tools, studies on acupuncture point to certain mechanisms that may explain its effects. One of the most frequently studied aspects is acupuncture’s influence on the nervous system. Needle insertion can stimulate the release of endorphins – natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body. Additionally, acupuncture may modulate pain signals in the spinal cord and improve blood circulation in the treated areas.
Some studies also suggest that acupuncture may impact the immune system, enhancing the body's defense responses. Despite numerous studies, the full mechanism of acupuncture remains largely unexplained, posing a challenge for further scientific research in this field.
What does an acupuncture treatment look like?
An acupuncture treatment typically begins with a consultation, during which the practitioner conducts an interview with the patient to understand their ailments and overall health condition. Based on this information, the practitioner selects the appropriate acupuncture points to be stimulated during the treatment.
The patient lies in a comfortable position, and the practitioner gently inserts thin acupuncture needles into the selected points on the body. The needle insertion is usually painless or involves only minimal discomfort. The needles remain in the patient’s body for a specified time – usually between 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, the patient may experience slight tingling, warmth, or a sense of relaxation.
After the treatment, the needles are removed, and the patient often feels an immediate improvement in well-being. However, the full therapeutic effect is usually seen after several sessions, so acupuncture is typically applied in series of treatments.
Acupuncture needles – types and uses
Acupuncture needles are a key tool in this treatment method. They are used to puncture specific points. The needles are made from various materials, most commonly stainless steel, which ensures their durability and flexibility. There are also acupuncture needles with tips coated in other metals, such as silver or gold, which may be used in special cases.
Acupuncture needles vary in length and diameter, allowing them to be tailored to the patient’s needs and the specifics of the treated condition. For example, shorter needles may be used to stimulate acupuncture points on the face, while longer needles are used for deeper penetration in larger muscle groups.
Disposable needles are most commonly used for hygienic reasons, eliminating the risk of infection. Their proper use is crucial for the patient’s safety and the treatment’s effectiveness.
Indications for acupuncture
Acupuncture therapy is used to treat a wide range of physical and psychological conditions. The most common indications for acupuncture, whose effectiveness has been confirmed by scientific studies conducted under the auspices of the WHO, include:
- headache,
- neck pain,
- low back pain,
- knee pain,
- postoperative pain,
- menstrual pain,
- sciatica,
- tennis elbow,
- depression,
- sprains,
- allergic rhinitis.
Safety and side effects of acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment is generally considered a safe method, especially when performed by a qualified specialist. Acupuncture needles are disposable, minimizing the risk of infection. However, like any form of therapy, acupuncture may be associated with certain side effects, although they are usually mild and transient.
The most common side effects include:
Mild pain at the needle site: Many people wonder if acupuncture is painful. Patients may feel slight pain or discomfort at the sites where needles were inserted, but this usually subsides shortly after the procedure.
Bruising: In rare cases, bruising may occur at the needle insertion site, which usually disappears within a few days.
Dizziness: Some patients may feel dizzy or weak after the treatment, usually due to the deep relaxation induced by acupuncture.
Before undergoing acupuncture treatments, it is important for the patient to inform the practitioner about any existing health conditions and medications they are taking to avoid potential complications.
How does acupuncture work in the context of western medicine?
In recent decades, acupuncture has gained acceptance in Western medical circles, especially as a form of complementary therapy. Many doctors recommend acupuncture as an adjunct to traditional treatments, particularly in cases of chronic pain, stress, and other conditions that do not respond well to conventional therapies.
At the same time, acupuncture is the subject of numerous scientific studies aimed at understanding its mechanisms of action and evaluating its effectiveness in treating various conditions. Although these studies yield promising results, further research is needed to fully understand and confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture in the context of evidence-based medicine.
Conclusion
Acupuncture, as an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been valued for its therapeutic properties for thousands of years. Although its mechanisms of action are not fully understood, numerous studies indicate acupuncture’s potential in pain relief and improving the quality of life for patients with various ailments. Contemporary medicine is increasingly recognizing the value of acupuncture as a complement to traditional treatment methods, particularly in pain management.
The safety and effectiveness of acupuncture largely depend on the practitioner’s experience and qualifications and the individual characteristics of the patient. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a qualified specialist before starting therapy.
In conclusion, acupuncture remains a valuable therapeutic method that combines the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine with a modern approach to treatment. Its growing popularity and acceptance worldwide testify to its potential as an effective form of complementary therapy.
References:
[1] Acupuncture: Review and analysis of reports on controlled clinical trials; WHO; 2002.
