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Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves stimulating specific points in the body by inserting extremely thin needles. The Chinese believe that the needles help restore the smooth flow of qi, or energy, through the body. Any blockage or imbalance in qi, they believe, can result in pain and even illness. Thus, in Chinese philosophy, the application of acupuncture extends beyond pain relief to the treatment of many other ailments. There are even seasonal "balancing" therapies to avoid colds and the flu.
Acupuncture points lie along meridians on the body. Each meridian is associated with specific organs. At least 365 points are described in classical Chinese texts, with a possible total of more than 2,000. Most acupuncturists are trained to use a small number of these points for particular ailments and insert one very fine needle at each location. To enhance the effect, the needles may be twirled, connected to a weak electric current, or heated. Some practitioners place small cones of the herb mugwort (MOXA) on the needle or acupuncture point and then burn it to produce a penetrating heat. This is called moxibustion.
Does acupuncture work?
Of all the alternative therapies, acupuncture has been studied the most. In addition to numerous anecdotal reports of its success and effectiveness, studies have demonstrated some benefit from using acupuncture to treat osteoarthritis, low back pain, tinnitis (ringing in the ears), toothache, allergies, menstrual cramps, nausea from chemotherapy and other conditions. Even so, the statistical results are inconclusive.
There is good evidence on how acupuncture may work. Studies have shown that stimulating acupuncture points enhances the production of the body's natural pain-blocking chemicals called endorphins. The therapeutic effects may result from the changes in the chemical balance in the body. Perhaps the ancient Chinese were right after all; balance is everything.
Finding a practitioner
Many practitioners are conventionally trained physicians who have taken courses in acupuncture and use it in their regular practice. Most acupuncturists are not licensed physicians. But licensure or registration for acupuncture is available in many states and Washington, D.C. You can check whether a practitioner is licensed or registered and has attended an accredited school of acupuncture using the referral list developed by the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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