Acupuncture is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, having been used for thousands of years. But even with thousands of years under its belt and millions of successful treatments, acupuncture is still misunderstood by a lot of people. This blog aims to debunk some of the most common acupuncture myths, separating fact from fiction.

Myth 1: Acupuncture is painful

Fact: Though the concept of needles can be frightening for some, acupuncture usually does not cause pain. The fine acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin, which is as wide as a hair’s breadth. It’s not uncommon for people to say that they felt only the little pricks of the acupuncture needles, if anything at all! Any pain felt is generally mild and temporary.

Myth 2: Acupuncture is only for treating pain

Fact: While acupuncture is often used to relieve pain, it brings health benefits to patients beyond the treatment of pain. Acupuncture can successfully cure many illnesses, including stress, anxiety, inability to sleep, allergies, digestive disorders and even problems regarding infertility. Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to encourage the body’s natural healing process and restore balance.

Myth 3: Acupuncture doesn’t have scientific evidence to support its efficacy

The truth Is That There has been plenty of research showing that acupuncture is an effective treatment for various health issues. Studies have shown that acupuncture can decrease pain, inflammation, and stress levels; it may also improve circulation and immune function. Moreover, leading health authorities worldwide, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have supported acupuncture as an effective treatment for specific conditions.

Myth 4: Acupuncture is based on pseudoscience

Fact: Although the science continues to investigate how acupuncture works, there is increasing evidence that it does. Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the body’s nervous system and release neurotransmitters and hormones that either dull pain or encourage healing. New imaging methods for the brain (e.g., functional MRI or PET scans) have helped us to understand better the physiologic effects of acupuncture on both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Myth 5: Acupuncture is only a placebo effect

Fact: Though the placebo effect may contribute to some reports, copious research suggests acupuncture causes key physiologic changes in the body. Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate specific areas of the brain that are involved in pain control and emotion regulation. In addition, there is the cumulative effect of acupuncture treatments, with symptom improvement continuing long after needle withdrawal.

Despite the myths and misconceptions out there, we have mountains of evidence proving acupuncture is safe and effective for most medical conditions. By debunking these myths and setting the record straight, we aim to inspire people to consider acupuncture as a complementary approach to enhancing overall health. To book an acupuncture appointment, please get in touch with us at Grandview Physiotherapy.