According to a 2021 World Health Organization report, acupuncture is the most widely used traditional medicine practice globally, but there are many misconceptions regarding both its mechanisms and effectiveness in treating various health conditions. The conflicting nature of some information can create confusion, making it challenging to distinguish what is true or false.
Here are the five common myths and facts about acupuncture explained.
1. If you don’t see results in one session Acupuncture is not working
FALSE
Acupuncture should deliver immediate results in a single session. *Correction: FALSE. Acupuncture is not a quick fix but a gradual and cumulative treatment that addresses the whole individual—mind, body, and spirit. Each treatment builds on the other and results are typically noticeable after 3-4 sessions, with continued improvement through consistent treatment. It’s unrealistic to expect full recovery after just one session, as the frequency of treatments, initially at least once a week, significantly influences effectiveness. Consistency is vital for the body’s self-regeneration, especially in conditions like depression or anxiety, where medication can impact response.
2. Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic pain
TRUE
Chronic pain is a prevalent health issue yet effective treatment is very difficult. Conventional pharmaceutical methods, marked by issues like the opioid epidemic, and generic advice such as “exercise more” may fall short. Acupuncture, supported by extensive trials, emerges as a viable and clinically effective option for chronic pain. The latest NICE guidelines (April 2021) recommend acupuncture, exercise, or psychological therapies, cautioning against medications like paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, and opioids. The committee acknowledges acupuncture’s short-term effectiveness, citing 27 studies showing pain reduction and improved quality of life. If you’re living with chronic pain, discussing acupuncture with your practitioner presents a low-risk, potentially relieving option.
Chronic pain (primary & secondary) in over 16s: assessment of all chronic pain & management of chronic primary pain. NICE guideline [NG193], 7 April 2021.
3. Acupuncture is painful
FALSE
Acupuncture needles are incredibly fine, comparable in width to a human hair. To put it in perspective, you could fit 40 acupuncture needles within a standard hypodermic needle, which is much thicker and hollow, enabling the injection or extraction of blood. While you might experience a mild, dull sensation from the acupuncture needle, signalling the activation of specific acupuncture points, it is not typically painful. In fact, quite the opposite; treatments are often so relaxing that many people find themselves drifting into a peaceful sleep, waking up feeling refreshed and stress-free.
4. Acupuncture is not science-based
FALSE
Acupuncture is one of the most sought-after forms of complementary medicine and one that enjoys a dynamically growing evidence base. In fact, research into acupuncture has grown dynamically over the past two decades both in terms of quantity and quality of clinical trials. According to Ma et al (2016) 13,320 acupuncture related studies have been published during 1995–2014 with a mean annual growth rate of 10.7%. This is more than double the growth rate in biomedical research publications which stood at 4.5% during the same period.
5. Acupuncture can help with weight loss
TRUE/FALSE
Losing weight is a challenging process that requires strong motivation. Acupuncture can support this process by stimulating the nervous system and organs that regulate energy and metabolism, including the endocrine system and thyroid glands. By using acupuncture points related to the stomach and kidney, it enhances digestion, increasing nutrient absorption and alleviates issues such as constipation and bloating. However, like with any weight loss plan, acupuncture alone won’t give you the results you’re after. While acupuncture can help boost your metabolism and balance hormones, it needs to be paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise.