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Among the thousand and one wellness treatments out there, acupuncture has stood the test of time. Used in traditional Chinese medicine, the practice involves inserting fine needles into strategic points to help alleviate various ailments from the physical to the mental. The idea is to balance the body’s flow of energy—also known as Qi—through specific pathways in the body called meridians.
Though the practice has been around for at least 3,000 years, acupuncture is also the most widely used alternative medicine practiced globally. It’s also a frequent subject of scientific study, with research showing it really may have benefits—especially for the management of pain.
“Acupuncture promotes the body’s natural ability to restore balance, enhancing everything from blood flow and hormones to mental and emotional well-being, but it’s also used for cosmetic improvements like facial rejuvenation and scar healing, as well as fertility support,” says Shannon Chanler, M.A., L.Ac., founder of Geneseo Acupuncture & Integrative Health at Fall Brook Farms and consulting herbalist for Good Psyche. “I’ve seen an uptick in patients dealing with mental and emotional distress since the pandemic, and acupuncture provides a lot of relief for my patients suffering with anxiety and depression.”
But how exactly does it work and is it right for you? Read on to learn more about the benefits of acupuncture.
Finding balance
“If you don’t correct an imbalance, you can’t fix a problem, because all you’re doing is masking it,” explains acupuncturist, Oriental medicine specialist, and Chinese herbalist Juhi Singh. “Acupuncture ensures that energy flows evenly through all its channels, removing blockages and correcting underlying imbalances that have been present in the body for many, many years.”
The procedure typically goes as follows: a certified acupuncturist makes an assessment and chooses the appropriate points to treat, which could include areas of the knees, feet, hands, abdomen, face, and head. Then, they’ll gently insert fine, sterile needles into these points. These needles do not usually cause discomfort, but it depends on the sensitivity of each person.
“A typical treatment uses five to 20 needles, and you may have a mild pain sensation when the needle reaches the correct depth,” notes the Mayo Clinic. You may also feel a slight “itch” or tingle, and your acupuncturist may sometimes gently move or rotate the needles after placement to increase energy flow. “In most cases, the needles stay in place for 10 to 15 minutes while you lie still and relax. Generally, no discomfort is felt when the needles are removed.”
An acupuncture treatment usually lasts an hour total, from assessment to needle removal. The practitioner may also make dietary and herbal medicine recommendations.
What is acupuncture used for?
While acupuncture is not a silver bullet, it can be a great tool for improving the discomfort associated with stress. According to a study in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, acupuncture sessions of at least 20 minutes can help reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity in students.
Acupuncture can also be used to help with a variety of other health concerns. According to the National Institute of Health, a review of 11 clinical trials even suggests that acupuncture may help with symptoms associated with cancer treatment. Other issues that acupuncture can be used for include but are not limited to:
- Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
- Back pain
- Muscle pain
- Neck pain
- Menstrual pain
- Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis
- Improve digestion
- Insomnia
- Stress relief
- Depression and anxiety
- Facial appearance
- Fertility
- Menopause symptoms and hormonal imbalances
- Dental pain
Why is acupuncture effective?
Acupuncture activates the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones. “Acupuncture is beneficial for any type of inflammation,” says Singh. “When you insert a needle into a specific area of the body, it releases endorphins, which are the chemicals the body naturally produces to promote self-healing.”
This makes acupuncture a potentially valuable treatment for anyone. “Part of what makes acupuncture such a versatile therapy is that it benefits patients across the age spectrum, from children to the elderly,” notes Chanler. “It’s an incredibly safe option for anyone seeking relief and rebalancing. Even animals can also benefit—acupuncture is regularly used to aid in neuromuscular recovery for dogs and horses.”
How long does it take for acupuncture to work?
Depending on the issue being treated, the time it takes to see results will vary. “When the pain is acute, like someone injuring their back, acupuncture can produce relief fairly quickly,” Singh said. “But when it’s a condition that develops gradually, such as migraines or Crohn’s disease, results can take longer.”
In the case of chronic issues like hormonal hot flashes, Chanler says that four to six sessions can sometimes be sufficient, but she emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to wellbeing: “Lifestyle and dietary habits significantly influence a patient’s results. People in less optimal health experience slower progress, so it’s important that my patients understand that integrating healthier lifestyle practices is crucial,” she says.
Acupuncture vs. acupressure
There have also been modern advances in acupressure, a technique that involves applying pressure to certain points instead of inserting needles. The benefits of acupressure are similar to those of acupuncture: improved blood flow and the release of endorphins for pain reduction and stress relief. Many people use it in conjunction with traditional in-clinic acupuncture sessions for benefits that compound over time.
Another benefit of acupressure? It can be performed at home with just your hands or simple tools. New York’s WTHN clinic, for example, offers everything from acupressure massage rings to an acupressure mat made of coconut and flax fiber that can be used for at least 30 minutes a day after exercise or to relieve neck and joint pain. “Although acupressure isn’t a cure-all for chronic stress or anxiety, many people find that consistent practice helps them feel more grounded and resilient in the face of everyday challenges,” notes the WTHN team.
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This article was originally published on Vogue.com.
