Acupuncture is a medical procedure that has been part of human healing modality for over 2500 years. It is the most well-recognized form of energy medicine and is widely practiced in the United States.
Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal and improve function, addressing energetic imbalances within the body that may cause illness or hinder healing. The technique involves inserting thin, hair-like needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points. Needling acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.
Acupuncture promotes physical and emotional well-being, but is best known for providing pain relief. There is evidence it influences the production and distribution of many neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, which alters the perception of pain. In a recent study hailed as “the largest, longest, and most rigorous study of acupuncture” ever conducted, acupuncture was found to reduce pain and improve function and movement among patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Other studies found similar results with back, shoulder, and neck pain. Even patients with failed back-surgery syndrome gain a measure of pain relief with acupuncture treatments.
The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture as effective in treating mild to moderate depression.
The National Institute of Health convened a panel of experts in 1997 to review research evidence in acupuncture. The panel issued a consensus statement indicating acupuncture is effective for postoperative and chemotherapy nausea, as well as vomiting and postoperative dental pain. For conditions such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, acupuncture has been shown to be an adjunct treatment or part of a comprehensive management program.
In recent years, research evidence has shown acupuncture can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with Bell’s palsy and postherpetic neuralgia. Many have found acupuncture helpful in tobacco cessation.
The U.S. Military Health System has incorporated acupuncture as part of pain management in the battlefield, through battlefield acupuncture auricular technique and for the care of wounded warriors. To learn more, click here.
Learn more about medical acupuncture here.