Acupuncture: Help or Hype?
Tracy Wilson
1 Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.
2 The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other Eastern countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
3 Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner.
4 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.
5 Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used. Still, complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments. Practitioners should use a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient and should swab treatment sites with alcohol or another disinfectant before inserting needles. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs.
6 Acupuncture is one of the key components of the system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the TCM system of medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. Among the major assumptions in TCM are that health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state" and that disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. It is believed that there are 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians and that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body that connect with them.
7 Preclinical studies have documented acupuncture's effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine that is commonly practiced in the United States. It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and, thus, affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.
8 Some studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating certain conditions. For example, it has been found to be effective in reducing pain, such as chronic pain in the back, neck, and knee. It has also been used to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, as well as migraines and tension headaches.
9 However, there is still much debate among medical professionals about the effectiveness of acupuncture. Some studies have shown positive results, while others have found no significant difference between acupuncture and a placebo treatment. The placebo effect, where a person experiences an improvement in symptoms simply because they believe they are receiving a treatment, could be a factor in the reported benefits of acupuncture.
10 Critics argue that any perceived benefits of acupuncture could be due to a placebo effect or other factors, such as relaxation or the therapeutic relationship between the practitioner and patient. They highlight the lack of scientific evidence and the difficulty in conducting rigorous studies that control for these factors.
11 Despite the debate, acupuncture continues to be a popular alternative therapy for many people. It is often used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments to manage symptoms and promote overall well-being. Many people report positive experiences with acupuncture and believe it has helped them achieve better health outcomes.
12 Ultimately, whether acupuncture is helpful or just hype may depend on the individual. It is important to approach acupuncture with an open mind and consult with a qualified practitioner. It may provide relief and benefits for certain conditions, but it is also important to consider it as part of a comprehensive approach to healthcare that includes other evidence-based treatments.