Is Acupuncture Really Beneficial?

National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that

acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination

with conventional therapies to treat the following: Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy. Dental pain after surgery. Addiction.

Is acupuncture medically proven?

There is no scientific proof that

the meridians or acupuncture points exist, and it is hard to prove that they either do or do not, but numerous studies suggest that acupuncture works for some conditions. Some experts have used neuroscience to explain acupuncture.

What is the success rate of acupuncture?

In the 5690 patients who completed treatment, the mean success rate was

79.7%

, with highest rates (93%) being achieved in patients with cephalalgia. The mean reduction in pain intensity was 5.5 (SD 2.5) points amounting to 67% fall from the baseline.

What are the disadvantages of acupuncture?

The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a

competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles

. Common side effects include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Single-use, disposable needles are now the practice standard, so the risk of infection is minimal.

Is acupuncture worth the money?

Acupuncture is recognized as safe and beneficial for many conditions

, but it’s not a cure-all for everything — you should still be taking your medications. But while it may not eliminate your symptoms, it could still ease them. So it may be worth a try, especially when it comes to chronic pain.

Does acupuncture work immediately?

Others may need more sessions to overcome the pain, as well as stress, and anxiety, and other symptoms. Therefore, you should not be surprised if

your first acupuncture session does not make you feel better instantly

. Acupuncture is often a process of relieving pain, not a quick fix.

What should you not do after acupuncture?

• Strenuous Exercise. You don’t have to avoid exercise altogether, but it would probably be best to slow down a bit. …
• Caffeine. …
• Alcohol. …
• Junk Food. …
• Ice. …
• TV and Other Screens.

Can acupuncture do more harm than good?

About 90 deaths after acupuncture have been anecdotally documented in the medical literature. Thus, acupuncture has been

associated with more deaths than most other ‘alternative’ therapies except herbal medicine

. This does not, of course, necessarily mean that the frequency of such events is higher.

Can acupuncture damage nerves?

Acupuncture needles rarely break

⁷

, but they may damage a

spinal nerve root

^{8 , 9}

or a peripheral nerve

¹⁰


.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

• Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy.
• Dental pain after surgery.
• Addiction.
• Headaches.
• Menstrual cramps.
• Tennis elbow.

How often should you get acupuncture?

For instance, we often suggest getting acupuncture treatment

two or three times a week for the first few weeks

. After that initial series of acupuncture treatments, you might only need a “tune-up” treatment session once a week or every couple of weeks to maintain your health.

Should you sleep during acupuncture?

Luckily,

acupuncture requires no effort on your part

. If you enjoy a little snooze during your session, your treatment will be just as effective. Don’t worry about offending your acupuncturist by falling asleep.

Is it normal to sleep during acupuncture?

There may be a noticeable pinch upon insertion of the needle which quickly passes. After that, there are sometimes tingling or slight aching sensations at or distant to the site of insertion.

Most patients find acupuncture very relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment

.

How can you tell if acupuncture is working?

• Your pain will change. The key word here is change: change in location, severity, or intensity. …
• Your sleep could improve (or change) …
• Your mood will improve. …
• You’ll be more aware of your body. …
• You’ll have more energy.

How long do benefits of acupuncture last?

As you continue acupuncture treatment, you’ll notice that your pain decreases and other symptoms gradually improve. You may find that acupuncture effects can

last a week or longer

, and you can schedule appointments less frequently.

Is acupuncture once a month enough?

Acupuncture is also great for long term emotional health, immune response, and longevity so we recommend a

minimum of one treatment per month

for optimal health and wellness.