Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a core component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

It involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin of a patient. While many people use it to attempt pain relief, practitioners claim it can treat a wide range of other conditions. It is typically used in combination with other medical treatments. For instance, the American Society of Anesthesiologists suggests it may be used for noninflammatory low back pain alongside conventional therapy. However, science classifies acupuncture as a pseudoscience. This is because its foundational theories are not based on scientific knowledge. Systematic reviews and clinical trials generally provide no good evidence of its benefits.

The mechanism of a typical session involves a patient lying still while a practitioner inserts approximately five to twenty needles.

These needles are usually made of stainless steel because the metal is flexible and resistant to rust. The needles vary in size; shorter needles are used near the eyes and face, while longer needles are used for thicker tissues. Most needles remain in place for ten to twenty minutes. A practitioner may manipulate the needles by spinning, flicking, or moving them up and down. This manual manipulation can cause a sensation called de qi. De qi is described as a feeling of numbness, distension, or electrical tingling at the site. Some practitioners also use electroacupuncture, which attaches a device to the needles to generate continuous electric pulses.

There are several distinct approaches and technological variants of acupuncture. One foundational approach is the modern standardized form known as eight principles TCM. Another is an older system based on the ancient Daoist wuxing, which refers to the five elements or phases. In the United Kingdom, practitioners often use TCM or Western medical acupuncture. Western medical acupuncture is an adaptation that focuses less on traditional philosophy and more on medical diagnosis. In Japan, practitioners sometimes use extremely thin needles superficially with a guide tube.

Korean acupuncture often utilizes copper needles and places a greater focus on the hands. Other related practices include moxibustion, which uses heat from burning dried mugwort, and cupping therapy, which uses suction on the skin.

The history of acupuncture is quite long and spans many centuries. It is believed to have originated in China around 100 BC. This timing coincides with the publication of The Inner Classic of Huang Di. Over time, the practice spread to Korea in the 6th century AD. It then moved to Japan through medical missionaries. Eventually, it reached Europe, beginning with France. In the 20th century, acupuncture spread to the United States and other Western countries. As it moved West, some practitioners abandoned spiritual elements that conflicted with scientific knowledge. They began to focus simply on tapping needles into specific acupuncture points.

Despite its popularity, the scientific community has found no histological or physiological evidence for traditional concepts. These concepts include qi, which is described as a life force, and meridians, which are the lines through which qi is said to circulate. Many modern practitioners no longer support the existence of these systems. Because of this, the global acupuncture market remains significant but controversial. In 2017, the market was worth US$24.55 billion. Europe led this market with a 32.7% share. The Asia-Pacific region held 29.4%, and the Americas held 25.3%. It was estimated that the industry would reach US$55 billion by 2023.

Safety is a major concern regarding the practice of acupuncture.

It is generally safe when performed by trained practitioners using single-use, sterile needles. When practitioners neglect sterile techniques, accidents and infections can occur. A 2013 review noted that reports of infection transmission increased during the decade preceding that study. The most frequently reported serious adverse events include infections and pneumothorax. Because these serious events continue to be reported, sufficient training is recommended to reduce risks. In many areas, such as California, laws require the use of sterile, single-use needles to ensure patient safety.

Acupuncture relates to broader discussions about how medicine is defined and practiced. It sits at the intersection of ancient philosophy and modern healthcare systems. While some use it as a standalone practice, it is most often integrated with other therapies. The variation in how many patients are treated per hour shows how different cultures approach the practice. For example, China averages ten patients per hour, while the United States averages 1.2 patients per hour. This demonstrates how acupuncture has been adapted into different global medical frameworks.