Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that dates back over 3,000 years. Once considered “fringe” in the West, acupuncture’s popularity has boomed in recent years. And with that, there’s been a lot of misinformation about acupuncture floating around. These misconceptions can make people new to acupuncture scared to try it and miss out on its benefits. So if you’re skeptical about whether acupuncture is legit, read on. In this article, an acupuncturist separates the facts from fiction and debunks 10 myths about acupuncture.
Myth #1: Acupuncture Hurts
This is perhaps the biggest misconception about acupuncture. But it’s entirely untrue. Acupuncture is meant to relieve pain, not cause it!
Yes, acupuncture treatments involve needles. But acupuncture needles bear no resemblance to the hypodermic needles used for blood draws.
Acupuncture needles are incredibly thin, ranging from 0.12 to 0.35 mm. That’s roughly the width of a single strand of human hair!
Each needle is inserted into strategic spots depending on your symptoms. Some people may feel a slight sensation when the needles are inserted. Others may feel nothing at all.
Myth #2: Acupuncture Isn’t Scientifically Proven
Because acupuncture is so old, many assume it’s nothing but folk medicine or pseudoscience. Yet acupuncture is proven to be an effective treatment for many health conditions, especially chronic pain.
Acupuncture treatments are believed to cause changes to the nervous system. It triggers the release of endorphins, which affects pain processing.
Myth #3: Acupuncture Only Works for Pain
Pain relief is the most common reason people turn to acupuncture. But acupuncture doesn’t just work for pain.
Studies show acupuncture can be an effective treatment for a myriad of health conditions, including:
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Menstrual cramps
- Nausea
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis
- Neck pain
- Low back pain & sciatica
- Headaches & migraines
- High blood pressure
For a deeper dive into the health benefits of acupuncture, check out this article.
Myth #4: No Legitimate Medical Doctor Would Recommend Acupuncture
Not so. Sure, decades ago, many doctors and healthcare professionals viewed acupuncture as “woo-woo.” But as research on acupuncture’s effectiveness has grown, that has shifted.
Today, many well-respected hospitals recommend acupuncture to their patients, including the Cleveland Clinic. Even the National Institute of Health (NIH) acknowledges acupuncture as a legitimate treatment for many health issues. Many health plans have caught on and are starting to cover acupuncture in some cases.
Myth #5: Acupuncture is Nothing But the Placebo Effect
Animal research says otherwise. Acupuncture has reduced pain and improved the quality of life in dogs with neurological and musculoskeletal diseases. Acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects are also proven to help dogs suffering from hip dysplasia.
It’s also helped relieve muscle stiffness in racehorses to speed up their recovery. Even the San Diego Zoo uses acupuncture to treat a variety of animal ailments.
None of these animals had to believe in acupuncture for it to work. But it did anyway!
Myth #6: Acupuncture Needles Aren’t Sanitary
This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Acupuncturists use sterile, single-use needles. Acupuncture needles come prepackaged and are discarded right after use.
A qualified acupuncturist must also take Clean Needle Technique courses. So as long as you pick a licensed acupuncturist, the needles are safe and sanitary.
Myth #7: Acupuncture Treatments are Addictive
There’s a mistaken idea that once you start acupuncture, you must keep getting it forever. But that’s just not true.
While acupuncture’s effects are cumulative, many people get relief from a single treatment. Others may need a course of 4-8 treatments to see significant improvement. Regardless, acupuncture isn’t addictive.
In fact, acupuncture has been used to help people recover from addiction! Research suggests acupuncture helps regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine that lead people to relapse.
Myth #8: Acupuncturists Have Little or No Training
This myth is way off. In the US, acupuncture can only legally be performed by licensed acupuncturists or medical professionals who get additional training in acupuncture.
Training includes coursework on theory, diagnosis, acupoints, needle techniques, ethics, nutrition, and more. The requirements to become a licensed acupuncturist are rigorous. But they vary from state to state.
Acupuncture practitioners in Illinois must have a master’s degree from an accredited school and pass a licensure exam. Illinois also requires continuing education credits to renew your license.
Myth #9: Acupuncture Can’t Be Used With Medical Treatments
No again. Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive treatment. So it can be safely used alongside traditional medical treatments, including medications. Acupuncturists can even work with your medical doctor to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
That said, if you’re on blood thinners, let your acupuncturist know. Blood thinners can make people bruise and bleed more easily, so extra precautions should be taken. This usually means using smaller needles.
Acupuncture can also complement alternative health treatments like chiropractic care, massage therapy, and functional medicine. Using acupuncture in tandem with these treatments may enhance your results or speed up recovery.
Learn more: Why Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture Work Better Together
Myth #10: You Need a Doctor’s Referral or Prescription to Get Acupuncture
Not at all. Yes, many doctors and alternative health practitioners recommend acupuncture to patients. But acupuncture is largely private pay. So you don’t need a doctor’s referral or prescription to receive treatment.
The only exception to this rule is if acupuncture is covered by your insurance plan. In that case, you’ll likely need a doctor’s referral.
Want to Feel Better? Try Acupuncture in Orland Park, IL
Tired of battling with pain, insomnia, digestive issues, and other stubborn symptoms? Curious if acupuncture may help? We’re here to support you.
At Anchored in Health, our certified acupuncturist has over 20 years of experience treating a wide variety of health conditions.
Read to find relief? If you live in the Chicago area and are wondering if acupuncture is a good fit for you, follow these steps:
- Contact us with questions.
- Book your first acupuncture treatment with our acupuncturist here.
- Discover how acupuncture can help you feel better and improve your well-being!
Other Alternative Health Services Offered at Anchored in Health in Orland Park, IL
At Anchored in Health, acupuncture isn’t all we do. We offer many holistic health services to improve your health. This includes chiropractic care, functional medicine, massage therapy, and the Shape ReClaimed program. We even offer assessments like thermography and genetic testing to help you understand your body better.
Contact us to find out how we can help you feel better and live a healthy, vibrant life!
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15135942/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24086114/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3156618/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7894028/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5556488/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1851017/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763421001561