According to research in 2016, an estimated 20.4% of people in the United States & UK suffer from chronic pain.

While medications may help relieve some symptoms and make the pain a bit more manageable, your body could develop drug tolerance with regular exposure. Not to mention the fact that certain drugs have short- and long-term effects, which can make things worse.

This is why many experts advise exploring holistic healing through other methods, such as acupuncture.

Acupuncture has a long and rich history that goes back over 3,000 years. The fact that it has retained its popularity in the wellness industry suggests its efficacy in treating various medical conditions.

We’ll take a look at how it can be used for pain relief, but first:

Understand What Acupuncture Is

Acupuncture is a technique grounded in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its efficacy has made it particularly popular in the West.

The treatment involves inserting thin, solid, stainless steel needles at strategic points on the body to treat pain. It can be done manually by turning or twirling the needles. However, one may also use heat (moxibustion), function, suction (cupping), or electrical stimulation over the acupuncture points to enhance its effects.

The idea of piercing your skin with needles can seem daunting, but have no fear! The most you should feel is a little bit of pressure and a quick but minor burst of discomfort as the needles are inserted into the target area.

How Does Acupuncture Work to Alleviate Pain?

Per a 2017 study, acupuncture was shown to have a persistent effect on chronic pain.

As to how it does that, the process is not fully understood (yet).

According to TCM experts, this minimally-invasive treatment balances the yin and yang extremes of chi (Qi), the life-giving force that runs through the body’s pathways (meridians). The pressure of needles at specific points re-balances this energy flow to maintain overall health.

Acupuncture is believed to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue at receptive fields, promoting circulation to affect pain processing in the body.

This could be associated with the modulation of endorphins, your body’s pain relievers. It may also send signals to the brain and have a placebo effect, which can increase and prolong serotonin activity, helping alleviate anxiety and stress. It is said to promote better mental clarity alongside physical well-being.

Some say the belief that the treatment will work could also stimulate healing.

Can Acupuncture Effectively Relieve Pain?

Some studies, like the ones highlighted above, have found acupuncture to be a holistic philosophy worth exploring for pain management. But, a 2019 study has found that “sham” acupuncture done at the wrong points (meridians not associated with the condition or described as “acupoints” at all) could be considered just as efficacious.

Therefore, more research is needed for a more definitive conclusion.

However, because acupuncture does not come with huge risks, you can combine it with physical therapy to reduce pain and inflammation or with drug therapy to improve the pain response while lowering the incidence of adverse reactions.

What Types of Pain Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture can alleviate discomfort from several medical conditions, such as:

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (when used in conjunction with antiemetic medications)
• Chronic neck pain (at specific acupoints only)
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Dental pain
• Fibromyalgia (providing the best relief compared to other treatments)
• Migraine
• Osteoarthritis
• Primary Dysmenorrhea (period pain)
• Tennis elbow

It may also relieve pain during labour, reduce lower back pain, and treat tendinopathy, although more research is required to solidify these findings.

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Do You Need to Experience Pain Relief?

The number of acupuncture sessions needed varies based on what medical condition you’ve been diagnosed with. It also depends on the technique being used (simple manual acupuncture or one combined with heat or electrical stimulation).

For example, someone experiencing acute pain may find substantial relief after four to eight sessions a week. Those with chronic and severe conditions may require six to twelve sessions over several months to see improvement in their pain levels. They may also need maintenance sessions to maintain the results for longer.

Talk to an acupuncturist about your pain points for the best treatment plan.

Risks or Side Effects Associated with Acupuncture for Pain Relief

While soreness, bruising, and bleeding at the site of micro-injury are common, due diligence could help minimise the risk of complications. Plus, as there’s no exchange of needles between patients, there is little risk of blood-borne infections.

That said, improper placement of the needles could make you susceptible to severe complications. If the needle penetrates too deeply into the skin, this could:

• Hit a nerve, making matters worse in the pain department.
• Puncture organs, such as the lung or gallbladder.

To avoid this, only seek treatment from qualified, trained practitioners.

Word to the Wise

Keep in mind that not everybody is a good candidate for acupuncture.

So, before you schedule an appointment, have a sit down with your general practitioner (GP), especially if you:

• Are pregnant, as it can soften and dilate the cervix, thereby stimulating labour. This can be problematic if you’re not yet full-term.
• Have a pacemaker. If electrical pressure is combined with acupuncture, it could cause the device to malfunction, putting your life at risk.
• Are on blood thinners, which can increase your risk of bleeding and bruising.

Knowing about your medical history and conditions will give the healthcare professional insight into whether acupuncture can be tweaked to work for you. If not, other methods may be explored to tackle your pain and inflammation issues.

Take Home Message

Acupuncture has an excellent safety profile and minimal risks, making it a viable alternative or addition to modern medicine for managing painful conditions. As its effects can last over time, with only a slight (15%) decrease in treatment outcome, acupuncture could prove to be a reasonable long-term solution for chronic pain.