Traditional Chinese Medicine:

Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic healthcare system that originated in China thousands of years ago, offering a different approach to health and wellness compared to Western medicine. TCM focuses on balancing the body’s energy, or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), which is believed to flow along channels in the body called meridians. Any imbalance or blockage of the flow of Qi is believed to lead to illness.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points along the meridians to stmulate the flow of Qi and alleviate pain and other conditions.

 

Acupuncture for Pain:

Acupuncture for other conditions:

Other:

 

See also:

This Page:

Why people seek acupuncture:

 

Acupuncture

Integration with Modern Healthcare:

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a system of medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years and is gaining popularity in the West. In fact, even in modern China that is experiencing more and more influence from the west in terms of medicine, food and lifestyle, the use of TCM including acupuncture is growing in popularity over the last decade, not receiving as one might have predicted. TCM focuses on restoring balance and harmony within the body through various practices including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and mind-body exercises. 

Acupuncture is commonly used effectively for a wide range of conditions, such as pain, musculoskeletal disorders and several neurologic diseases Acupuncture treatment is based on the Chinese theory that illness results from imbalances in energy flow, or qi, and fine acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points on the body to correct these imbalances and restore harmony.  Western science has proposed different theories as to how acupuncture works, including teh Gate Control theory and the release of endogenous opioids, but none of the theories appear to be fully satisfactory and acupuncture remains largely not well understood.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a certified practitioner. The incidences of side effects and adverse events with acupuncture are lower than that with opioid analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. Studies have shown it to be effective for pain relief, managing chemotherapy side effects, and improving quality of life. The World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize it as a treatment option. While promising research exists, further high-quality studies are needed to fully understand its efficacy and mechanisms.

TCM is increasingly being integrated with modern healthcare systems to provide a more comprehensive approach to patient care including pain management. By combining TCM methods with evidence-based practices from Western medicine,one may obtain the best of both Eastern and Western medical management, including:
  • Using acupuncture along with Chinese herbal medicine to manage pain, anxiety, nausea and many other conditions.
  • Incorporating TCM practices like tai chi and meditation for stress and mental health support.

Prevalence and Trends

Usage: Over 10 million acupuncture treatments occur annually in the U.S., 3.8 million in the UK (2011), and 4 million in the UK (2009). In Australia, 1 in 10 adults used acupuncture in 2004, and in Japan, 25% try it lifetime.

Demographics: Women dominate acupuncture use (e.g., two-thirds in Germany), and older adults (45–64 years) are common in Western countries, with elderly use higher in Japan.

Growth: Acupuncture research has surged, with over 13,000 studies across 60 countries since 1975, including 2,471 systematic reviews (2000–2020), focusing on pain (35%), neurological conditions (12.3%), and cancer symptoms (11.6%).

 

Statistics:  Reasons why people seek acupuncture treatment

 1.  Chronic pain

Chronic pain is the top reason for seeking acupuncture. Low back pain, affecting 22–48% of U.S. adults, motivates many to try acupuncture. A 2018 meta-analysis of 20 studies (6,376 participants) found acupuncture effective for back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and headaches, with benefits lasting up to a year.

A subsequent 2019 meta-analysis of individual patient data confirmed the effectiveness of acupuncture on four chronic pain conditions: non-specific musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache and shoulder pain. It also found clear evidence that the effects of acupuncture persist over time with only a small decrease (approximately 15%,) in treatment effect at one year. The authors also concluded that variations in the effectiveness of acupuncture in different trials are driven predominately by differences in treatments received by the control group rather than by differences in the characteristics of acupuncture treatment. In other words, the effectiveness of treatment with acupuncture for pain was mostly consistent, but the variations in measures of effectiveness were determined more by the method of comparing the acupuncture treatment with different control measures, an artifact based on the design of the study,

A 2011 survey estimated 3.8 million annual acupuncture treatments, with 35% for musculoskeletal pain (e.g., back pain). For osteoarthritis, a 2018 review of 10 studies (2,413 participants) confirmed efficacy for knee and hip pain. For migraines, a 2016 study (249 patients) showed acupuncture reduced attack frequency by 3.2 per month

Compared with opioids, studies show that only 2.6% of treatments with acupuncture are associated with minor side effects compared to 56% with opioids. On average, acupuncture reduces pain by 10–15 points on a 100-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS), similar to or better than NSAIDs for back pain and osteoarthritis, with fewer side effects.

 

 

Extensive research corroborates its efficacy and safety in diverse pain conditions:

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)

DPN typically manifests with painful paresthesias (tingling) in toes and fingers, causing significant ptoblems.  Data from multiple studies endorse acupuncture’s effectiveness in diminishing pain severity and minimizing functional disruptions, with minimal adverse events.

Acupuncture not only diminishes pain across various time frames, it also offers sustained benefits. Emerging research also shows the potential of early acupuncture interventions to curb symptom progression and its synergistic benefits when combined with vitamin B12. See: Acupuncture – Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)

 

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)

Studies have demonstrated marked improvements in  pain and sensory deficits, such as sensation loss and numbness in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Observational studies further link symptomatic improvements to enhanced nerve conduction, implying that acupuncture may promote nerve regeneration. Importantly, significant enhancements in patient quality of life and reductions in neuropathy severity have been documented. See: Acupuncture – Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)

 

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic pain syndrome that follows herpes zoster (shingles) infection,  and is accompanied by various forms of neuropathic pain, such as persistent spontaneous, paroxysmal, and mechanically evoked pain,  Beyond the effectiveness of conventional acupuncture, alternative TCM modalities with distinct therapeutic indications and mechanisms, have proven beneficial for PHN management. Notably, acupuncture coupled with mild moxibustion outperforms gabapentin in providing rapid analgesia, reducing pain swiftly with fewer side effects.

 

Trigeminal neuralgia (TGN)

Acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic intervention for trigeminal neuralgia (TGN). Evidence underscores its role in reducing the distinctive, severe pain often described as intermittent, electric shock-like sensations affecting the trigeminal nerve divisions of the face. Moreover, clinical trials have documented enhancements in cognitive function and overall quality of life for patients getting acupuncture treatment for this neuralgia.

 

2. Stress, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders

Stress and anxiety are major reasons for turning to acupuncture treatment as well as depression. A 2022 review found 117 of 2,471 systematic reviews (4.7%) focused on anxiety and depression. Patients often seek acupuncture to avoid medication side effects.  Acupuncture’s calming effects post-session is a key draw.

3. Digestive Issues (e.g., Bloating, Constipation, Acid Reflux)

Digestive disorders are common reasons for acupuncture treament, with demonstrated helpfulness for bloating, constipation, and acid reflux. Although a 2019 review of 41 studies (3,440 participants) showed acupuncture to be of little benefit for for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptom severity. it is helped when combined with other treatments.

4. Fertility and Women’s Health (e.g., IVF Support, Menopause, Pregnancy Discomfort).

Acupuncture for fertility, especially IVF support, is growing, with studies showing improved pregnancy rates. A 2023 source demonstrated acupuncture’s role in boosting blood flow and ovulation. A 2014 review found moderate evidence for reducing pregnancy discomforts and menopause symptoms (e.g., 40% reduction in hot flashes)  and it has a low-risk profile compared to hormonal treatments.

5. Allergies and Respiratory Issues

Seasonal allergies are another motivator for treatment using acupuncture, with a 2015 review of 13 studies (2,365 participants) showing acupuncture reduced nasal symptoms and medication use. A 2022 review noted 287 of 2,471 systematic reviews (11.6%) addressed respiratory conditions.

Acupuncture’s drug-free approach that avoids antihistamine side effects (e.g., drowsiness) along with its anti-inflammatory benefits drive its use for allergies.

 

Summary

Acupuncture is most sought for chronic pain (back, arthritis, fibromyalgia), stress, digestive issues, fertility, and allergies. It reduces pain by 10–15 points, similar to or better than some medications, and helps mood or sleep slightly (5–10% improvement). With only 10–20% associated minor side effects like bruising, it’s a safe option,

 

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. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005
  2. Hopton A, MacPherson H. Acupuncture for chronic pain: is acupuncture more than an effective placebo? A systematic review of pooled data from meta-analyses. Pain Pract. 2011;11(2):194-205. doi:10.1111/j.1533-2500.2010.00437.x
  3. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA; Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. 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. doi:10.7326/M16-2367
  4. Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;2016(6):CD001218. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub3
  5. Smith CA, Armour M, Lee MS, Wang LQ, Hay PJ. Acupuncture for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Med. 2022;11(4):1083. doi:10.3390/jcm11041083
  6. Yuan QL, Wang P, Liu L, et al. Acupuncture for functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:5867282. doi:10.1155/2019/5867282
  7. Smith CA, Collins CT, Levett KM, et al. Acupuncture or acupressure for pain management during labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;2(2):CD009232. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009232.pub2
  8. Feng S, Han M, Fan Y, et al. Acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2015;29(1):57-62. doi:10.2500/ajra.2015.29.4116
  9. Burke A, Upchurch DM, Dye C, Chyu L. Acupuncture use in the United States: findings from the National Health Interview Survey. J Altern Complement Med. 2006;12(7):639-648. doi:10.1089/acm.2006.12.639
  10. Zhang Y, Lao L, Chen H, Ceballos R. Acupuncture use among American adults: what acupuncture practitioners can learn from National Health Interview Survey 2007? Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:710750. doi:10.1155/2012/710750
  11. Deare JC, Zheng Z, Xue CC, et al. Acupuncture for treating fibromyalgia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;2013(5):CD007070. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007070.pub2
  12. Valera-Calero JA, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Navarro-Santana MJ, Plaza-Manzano G. Efficacy of dry needling and acupuncture in patients with fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(16):9904. doi:10.3390/ijerph19169904
  13. Berger AA, Liu Y, Nguyen J, et al. Efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of fibromyalgia. Orthop Rev. 2021;13(1):25085. doi:10.52965/001c.25085
  14. Zheng C, Zhou T. Effect of acupuncture on pain, fatigue, sleep, physical function, stiffness, well-being, and safety in fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Pain Res. 2022;15:315-329. doi:10.2147/JPR.S347810
  15. Zhang XC, Chen H, Xu WT, Song YY, Gu YH, Ni GX. Acupuncture therapy for fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Pain Res. 2019;12:527-542. doi:10.2147/JPR.S186227
  16. MacPherson H, Elliot B, Hopton A, Lansdown H, Birch S, Hewitt C. The evolution of acupuncture research: from clinical trials to translational research. Acupunct Med. 2021;39(1):1-3. doi:10.1177/0964528420981412
  17. HealthCMi. Acupuncture news and research. Acupuncture for stress relief and mental health. Published 2023. https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/2233-acupuncture-for-stress-relief-and-mental-health
  18. HealthCMi. Acupuncture news and research. Acupuncture for digestive health. Published 2023. https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/2228-acupuncture-for-digestive-health
  19. HealthCMi. Acupuncture news and research. Acupuncture for fertility. Published 2023. https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/2230-acupuncture-for-fertility
  20. HealthCMi. Acupuncture news and research. Acupuncture for allergies. Published 2023. https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/2227-acupuncture-for-allergies
  21. Acupuncture for chronic pain- update of an individual patient data meta-analysis – 2018

 

Emphasis on Education

 

Accurate Clinic promotes patient education as the foundation of it’s medical care. In Dr. Ehlenberger’s integrative approach to patient care, including conventional and complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments, he may encourage or provide advice about the use of supplements. However, the specifics of choice of supplement, dosing and duration of treatment should be individualized through discussion with Dr. Ehlenberger. The following information and reference articles are presented to provide the reader with some of the latest research to facilitate evidence-based, informed decisions regarding the use of conventional as well as CAM treatments.

 

For medical-legal reasons, access to these links is limited to patients enrolled in an Accurate Clinic medical program.

 

Should you wish more information regarding any of the subjects listed – or not listed –  here, please contact Dr. Ehlenberger. He has literally thousands of published articles to share on hundreds of topics associated with pain management, weight loss, nutrition, addiction recovery and emergency medicine. It would take years for you to read them, as it did him.

 

For more information, please contact Accurate Clinic.

 

 

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