Please note that this is not medical advice. We really recommend you talk to your doctor about any treatment options. This is a jumping off point for your own research and conversations with medical professionals you trust.
“Alternative medicine” is a buzzword that is quickly applied to all sorts of non-standard medical practices. From homeopathy to reiki to massage, there is a huge divide all living under the same label.
For example, it’s nearly impossible to deny that yoga offers tons of benefits to the human body, several of which are scientifically backed, and yet it is still referred to as an “alternative medicine,” at least according to Wikipedia. It shares a spot on Wikipedia’s list of alternative medicine with energy healing, dowsing, and aromatherapy—all three of which have been thoroughly exposed as either scams or exaggeratory about their results.
So, where does acupuncture fall on the spectrum to false pseudoscience to evidence-based medicine? I set out to find the answer.
What is Acupuncture?
People get acupuncture for a number of reasons, the most common is to treat pain, help with overall wellness, and lower your stress.
The long story made short about acupuncture is that it’s meant to help balance your body’s energy. This is done by inserting needles into “acupuncture points” along your Qi pathways allowing your Qi to flow unhindered. Qi is a Chinese term that basically equates to life energy or life force.
Many doctors believe that acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This stimulation can help the body relax and boosts the production of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killers. Others report that acupuncture is just relaxing, and that, much like a massage, it helps them destress. Stress often exacerbates inflammation, which causes pain.
It’s just important to note that any other claims about acupuncture are not founded. So if you see an acupuncture specialist advertising that they can help you lose weight or cure cancer, just know that that’s not the best option for you.
Should I book an Appointment Right now?
Maybe! There are other reasons acupuncture isn’t right for everyone. For one, it can be pretty expensive. The average cost of acupuncture is $100 a session!
As a note, most insurance plans don’t cover acupuncture. If you have the Sharp Classic plan through SDPEBA you can get 40 sessions a year at a $15 copay (per session).
Additionally, you need to be sure you’re seeing a certified acupuncturist. Sharp offers a list of acupuncturists who are certified (and in-network) on their website linked here.
And finally, there are a lot of people who suggest that acupuncture is helpful for dealing with their chronic pain, but that it’s only temporary. This is why we really suggest that you see a medical professional and discuss acupuncture as a supplement to your treatment if you’re dealing with chronic pain.
Sources to Read More
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6421999/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/5-scientists-weigh-in-on-acupuncture/