Nov. 13, 2024 – A traditional Chinese medicine procedure is getting more popular because it can relieve pain when more modern therapies often fall short.
Acupuncture “has been used for over 3,500 years, is safe, and can be effective for many ailments affecting people, including one of the biggest problems – chronic pain,” said Andrew Bloch, a licensed acupuncturist and physical therapist based in Boynton Beach, FL.
Acupuncturists insert thin, sterile needles into your body along pathways called meridians that are believed to circulate an essential life force called qi (pronounced “chee”), said Amanda Occhipinti, a doctor of acupuncture who runs Integrated Health Center, a private practice in Watchung, New Jersey.
“Qi can be seen as a life-sustaining force akin to oxygen — critical for fueling the body’s processes, circulating in the blood, and providing essential energy for each cell,” according to Eileen Li, a doctor of physical therapy and licensed acupuncturist.
Experts say acupuncture can help offer relief to the more than 50 million U.S. adults who live with chronic pain. Chronic pain is a complex condition that can stem from a variety of things, such as nervous system dysregulation, poor circulation, hormonal imbalances, and muscle tension, according to Li, who runs Anew Integrative Acupuncture, a private practice in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.
“[Chronic pain] treatments commonly rely on short-term measures, like painkillers or injections, which can mask symptoms, but fail to address underlying causes,” she said. “This approach can lead to dependency, with individuals relying on medication to function despite risks of side effects, tolerance, and addiction.”
Needle In, Pain Out?
Acupuncture can help ease chronic pain in a few ways, experts said.
By inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture enhances circulation, reduces inflammation and can deliver essential nutrients to affected tissues while removing “metabolic waste to ease pain and stiffness,” Li said. “Additionally, acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, which can lower pain sensitivity and alleviate stress.”
Studies show acupuncture can help boost beta endorphins, which are like your body’s natural pain medicine.
“Endorphins are often called 'feel-good’ chemicals because they enhance well-being, reduce stress, and help relieve pain,” Occhipinti said. “Research shows acupuncture also impacts other brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, both of which play essential roles in mood and pain perception.”
Acupuncture can also hinder your nervous system’s “pain gates,” which helps block the sending of pain signals to your brain, she said.
For nerve pain, acupuncture can also help repair tissue and increase blood flow and circulation, said Dawn Garrison, a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine, and owner of Carolina Family Acupuncture in South Carolina.
“I have found in the clinic that it works for all different types of chronic pain, including low back chronic pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, arm pain,” she said. “We're helping your body heal itself, and we do that by placing needles in specific areas, either to help to trigger that particular nerve root, or help with the fascia tissue or to reduce that inflammation.”
But the key lies in being consistent with your treatment schedule, Garrison said.
“Typically with chronic pain, I have patients come in twice a week in the beginning for anywhere between three to five weeks – sometimes longer, sometimes less – and we're consistent until they reach about a 50% pain reduction,” she said. “Then, we go down to about once a week and continue on until we can go down to every other week, and then we kind of find where their maintenance is.”
A Nondrug Approach to Pain
Garrison said that often, patients come into her clinic after having “tried everything” to heal their chronic pain.
“We actually do get a lot of patient referrals from doctors, or we get more patients that can't use pain relievers, whether that is because they have a history of drug abuse, or there's a history within their family of drug abuse,” Garrison said. “In my own clinical experience, I've found it to be very, very effective in reducing the need for having to use opioids first.”
Amid the current opioid epidemic and rising dependence on strong drugs for pain intervention, acupuncture can serve as a more holistic, nondrug pain management strategy, said Tom Ingegno, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
“Acupuncture offers a viable alternative by providing effective pain relief without the risks associated with opioid use,” said Ingegno, who runs Charm City Integrative Health, a private practice in Baltimore. “Research indicates that acupuncture can lower opioid consumption in chronic pain patients, contributing to efforts to combat the opioid crisis.”
A Different Approach to Fighting Addiction
Acupuncture might be a good option for people with chronic pain who also have other health problems, as treatment steers clear of the side effects and addictive potential of opioids, said Jason Chong, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor and owner of Dantian Health in Melbourne, Australia.
“Many practitioners also utilize acupuncture as part of a holistic approach to manage opioid reduction and withdrawal,” he said.
Acupuncture is generally very safe when being done by a licensed medical provider, said Bloch, who runs D'Box Holistic Pain Treatment, a nonprofit providing non-narcotic, holistic pain relief to patients. “The main issue is bruising from the needle insertion, which usually resolves quickly without incidents.”
Finding a qualified practitioner is crucial, Li said. Make sure they have an “LAc” (licensed acupuncturist) designation by their name. You can also verify their license through your state’s acupuncture board or the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, she said. Also, don’t hold your tongue when you need more clarity or better understanding during your appointment. Li suggested questions like: “How will I know if I’m responding to treatment?” or “What should I expect to feel after a session?”
“Clear communication is essential for successful acupuncture treatment,” she said. “Health care is personal, and feeling comfortable with your practitioner can make a big difference in your experience.”
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Andrew Bloch worked as an acupuncturist and physical therapist in Hollywood, FL. His office is in Boynton Beach, FL.
