Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Acupuncture

In this article we will address a variety of questions in the world of complementary medicine and Chinese acupuncture

What Is Chinese Acupuncture? (Acupuncture)

Chinese acupuncture is a healing art that originated in ancient China. Documents describing Chinese acupuncture date back to the first century BCE, while some believe there is archaeological evidence pointing to a much earlier origin: perhaps as far back as 8,000 years ago.

The medical theory of acupuncture, Chinese acupuncture, centers on the concept of Qi energy. Qi is said to flow through the body’s energy pathways, called meridians. Meridians correspond to specific organs or groups of organs.
Unlike Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine holds that illness is caused by an imbalance in the flow of this energy through the meridians.
In an attempt to remove the blockage or redirect the flow of energy, Chinese acupuncture inserts very fine needles into specific points on the skin’s tissue. These points are called acupuncture points.
There are various ways of counting acupuncture points, but most cataloguing systems put the number at around 350-400 such points.

Medical acupuncture is often used to relieve pain, among other treatments, and today it is covered by many insurance policies.

I want to help you choose the best options for your own health and that of your family. To that end, feel free to read about cases where Chinese acupuncture works and delivers results!

How Does Chinese Acupuncture Work?

Understanding how this ancient Chinese health method works is a challenge for modern science. There are two ways to look at the question.
On one hand, an ancient explanation describes the treatment using terms like Qi energy and meridians, neither of which is recognized by clinical researchers. On the other hand, scientists have tried to explain the phenomenon using standard medical terms.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the life force of our body depends on a balanced flow of energy. This energy is called Qi, blood, or the electrical energy of the nervous system. Under this working assumption, Qi can become blocked, which can cause sensations of pain or loss of function in various parts of the body.
From this perspective, the role of the Chinese acupuncturist is to remove blockages in order to make the Qi or blood flow better, which is meant to restore healthy balance to the body.

Science explains it differently. In the 1970s, scientists identified endorphins as chemicals that relieve pain and produce pleasure. Studies show that acupuncture performed properly can produce a burst of endorphins that can ease certain kinds of discomfort or pain, as well as nausea.
The exact mechanism by which such tiny needles can trigger the release of endorphins is unknown.
There are people in the scientific community who are skeptical of the treatment and its effects, because it’s difficult to study the subject of Chinese acupuncture, for two main reasons. The first is that different acupuncturists use a different number of acupuncture points, recommend a different number of sessions, and continue the treatment for a longer or shorter period, which makes comparison difficult.
The second challenge for researchers is that people’s beliefs and expectations, as well as how they feel about their practitioner, may affect how effective they perceive the treatment to be.

Does Chinese Acupuncture Help with Pain?

Acupuncture, Chinese acupuncture treatment has already been tried across a range of types of pain, from menstrual cramps and tennis elbow to neck pain and muscle discomfort.
The effectiveness of such treatments has been studied all over the world, with some studies pointing to improvement in symptoms and others showing little or minimal improvement. The National Institutes of Health in the US has called for further research in an attempt to verify whether such treatment has a beneficial effect in relieving various conditions.

Acupuncture; Chinese Acupuncture, as Complementary Medicine

Alternative treatment such as Chinese acupuncture is sometimes used as a complementary remedy alongside standard medications.
Chinese acupuncture often accompanies other forms of treatment in an attempt to ease a wide range of conditions. When an alternative treatment is used alongside modern medical treatments to relieve symptoms, it is said to be a type of complementary medicine. Some studies indicate that the treatment helps patients recover with fewer medications, while others find that it appears to improve medical outcomes when used alongside conventional medicine. Additional examples of complementary medicine include:
bloodletting, cupping, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Shiatsu, Tuina

Is Chinese Acupuncture Treatment Painful?

The needles used for Chinese acupuncture are tiny and thin, and most people feel little or nothing at all.
Many people are afraid of needles. Perhaps your annual flu shot makes you flinch as it’s administered. But the needles used in acupuncture, Chinese acupuncture, are very different from those used for drawing blood or for vaccination. In this case, they are thin and not hollow.
Rest assured: Chinese acupuncture is safe.

Does Chinese Acupuncture Help with Lower Back Pain?

Researchers who compared various reviews concluded that acupuncture improves the pain and function of the lower back.
One of the most common sources of chronic pain is the lower back. For many, treatment for lower back pain (LBP) requires physiotherapy, medication, or in the worst cases, surgery.
Evidence from numerous clinical trials shows that traditional treatment tools for LBP are inconsistent.
Varying findings from 16 studies may depend on whether a patient suffers from acute, new-onset lower back pain or chronic pain. “Acute” refers to pain that comes and goes and ends after an injury, while “chronic” refers to persistent pain that doesn’t go away.
Researchers who compared the various reviews concluded that acupuncture improves the pain and function of the lower back. However, patients suffering from acute LBP responded roughly the same whether their Chinese acupuncture treatment; acupuncture, was performed precisely or deliberately imprecisely for testing purposes.

Does Chinese Medicine Help with Tension and Migraines?

Some studies show that Chinese acupuncture; acupuncture, may provide effective relief, temporary or lasting, for chronic tension and migraines.
Headaches are a frequent frustration for many people. Some studies indicate that Tuina massage or Chinese acupuncture may provide effective, temporary relief for chronic headaches. When it comes to migraine headaches, researchers have concluded that needle treatments can be effective in treating such conditions even when they are not placed at the correct acupuncture points, and also show a stronger effect than conventional drug treatment, with fewer side effects.

Does Chinese Acupuncture Help Treat Fibromyalgia?

At least 20% of patients suffering from fibromyalgia will try Chinese acupuncture; acupuncture as a treatment.
Fibromyalgia is a common type of chronic pain that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body. It occurs roughly four times more often in women than in men.
At least 20% of patients suffering from fibromyalgia will try going for Chinese acupuncture treatment for their condition.
Does it work?
Large studies show that acupuncture treatments are justified based on the results observed.

Does Chinese Acupuncture Help with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Research on Chinese acupuncture; acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome shows clear benefits and effective treatment.
When patients suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), they often experience pain and numbness in the index and middle fingers. The condition also weakens the thumb. CTS is caused by inflammation of the median nerve at the wrist.
So does acupuncture help improve CTS? Science, according to the National Institutes of Health in the US, has found that some patients report benefit, but the precise effectiveness has not been scientifically proven.

Does Acupuncture Help Relieve Nausea?

The results of acupuncture treatment for nausea have been mixed.
An American college determined that studies on acupuncture for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy were not well controlled, and therefore does not recommend its use. The American health institute, however, described the results of such treatments as “promising.” That said, no studies have shown sustained relief from nausea, since the treatment was given 1-8 days after chemotherapy was administered.

Can Complementary Medicine Help with Cancer Treatment?

Chinese acupuncture can help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy cope with pain, nausea and vomiting.
When you are suffering from cancer symptoms or undergoing chemotherapy, you may want acupuncture, which can help you cope with pain, nausea and vomiting. It requires experience working with cancer patients, and a clear understanding of the symptoms. There are several other cancer symptoms that may find relief this way, including:
fatigue, sleep problems, depression, hot flashes, xerostomia (dry mouth), neuropathy (weakness and pain from nerve damage) and anxiety.
The use of needles in Chinese acupuncture for cancer relief is still being studied. Some trials suggest it works better for relieving vomiting than for reducing nausea. Be sure to talk with your doctor to discuss the best medical treatment options for cancer.

Does Chinese Acupuncture Improve Fertility?

Can small needles make men or women more fertile? A great deal of time and money has already been invested trying to determine whether fertility improvements can be attributed to the procedure, but few conclusions can be drawn.
Various medical journals report differing findings on the subject. One study found that acupuncture may have a positive effect on male infertility, and also found that Chinese acupuncture appears beneficial for improving IVF outcomes in certain cases.

Does It Help You Quit Smoking?

Acupuncture – Chinese acupuncture is also used to help those trying to quit smoking.
As often happens, research points in different directions when the effect on smoking cessation is studied. Some individual studies point to meaningful clinical results!

Is Chinese Acupuncture Safe for Children?

Acupuncture; Chinese acupuncture is a treatment method that is generally safe for children, assuming the practitioner is licensed and certified to perform acupuncture and, of course, does so in accordance with recommended safety standards. In practice, it is reliable and safe for children.
It is generally used for problems such as fever, flu, respiratory issues, digestion, pain, ear infections, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and more.

Is Acupuncture a Safe Treatment?

Acupuncture; Chinese acupuncture is considered safe, but there are some risks, such as the use of needles that are too long or non-sterile needles, so it is very important to go to a practitioner with experience who studied at a reputable college for 4 years, received a certificate as a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner, and has extensive experience.
For the most part, acupuncture; Chinese acupuncture is considered fairly safe.

Who Should Avoid Acupuncture – Chinese Acupuncture?

Acupuncture; Chinese acupuncture can be adapted for everyone, and of course it should be discussed with a doctor before starting treatment. There are cases where a particular type of acupuncture is not suitable for certain populations, such as:
Electro-acupuncture; problematic for those with a pacemaker, bloodletting; problematic for those taking blood thinners. Pregnant women; there are points that are not needled during pregnancy.

Does Acupuncture Really Work?

No one knows exactly how it works, but Chinese acupuncture works! Scientists call this the “mechanism” of the treatment, and so far no one has definitively proven how inserting thin needles under a person’s skin can lead to any health benefit. Sometimes proponents of the method say it has something to do with endorphins or other physical properties, and sometimes they use unscientific terms like meridians or life energy to explain what’s happening. But beyond these explanations, there isn’t much explanation of where the method came from.

Are There Side Effects to Chinese Acupuncture Treatment?

Sometimes, after an acupuncture treatment, there can be ‘side effects’.
1. A reaction in the painful area. Because of the effect on the spot, you may occasionally feel that the area hurts a bit more, but this sensation will soon be replaced by a feeling of improvement and relief.
2. Local bruising, in case the needle touched a small blood vessel (capillary). The blue mark fades quickly.
3. It’s important to come to treatment not on an empty stomach, but after eating something light. If you arrive with an empty stomach, the treatment will be less effective, or you may feel weak during the treatment.
4. Mild itching at the spot where the needle was

In conclusion, Chinese acupuncture treats many conditions. It is safe to use, and it’s very important to choose a good, certified practitioner.
Feel free to join the many people who have tried Chinese acupuncture, to treat a condition you’d like to change or to maintain what you already have.
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