Acupuncture: Separating Myth from Fact

Myth: Acupuncture is ancient medicine; no legitimate healthcare professional would recommend it.

Fact: Acupuncture is a treatment option currently recommended by many medical institutions, including Cleveland Clinic. Many clinical research trials on acupuncture are funded by the National Institutes of Health, and the World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as a valid treatment for a wide range of conditions. 

Myth: Acupuncture’s effects are psychological. It doesn't really do anything.

Fact: Many clinical studies show that acupuncture affects the body’s nervous and endocrine (glandular) systems, and decreases inflammation associated with different diseases. MRI studies reveal that during acupuncture, our brains begin to release endorphins (natural painkillers), as well as serotonin and dopamine (the body’s “feel-good” mood-regulating chemicals).

Myth: Most people who use, or practice, acupuncture are into ‘New Age’ healing.

Fact: On the contrary, you probably have a friend, coworker or neighbor who is getting acupuncture treatments. And in Ohio, acupuncture practitioners must be licensed, with a master’s degree involving both classroom and clinical training. Finally, all licensed acupuncturists must pass board exams in Eastern and Western medicine.

Myth: Acupuncture may conflict with medication, physical therapy and other ‘mainstream’ medical treatments.

Fact: There is no conflict between acupuncture and Western medicine; they complement one another. Acupuncture works nicely as an adjunct to your conventional treatment plan.

Myth: Acupuncture is only useful in treating pain.

Fact: It’s true that acupuncture helps relieve joint pain, back pain and sciatica, headache, stomach pain and menstrual cramps. However, acupuncture is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, nausea/vomiting, chemotherapy side effects, morning sickness, hypertension (high blood pressure), allergies, depression, infertility and other conditions.

Myth: Acupuncture hurts — after all, we're talking needles!

Fact: Although we use needles, they are very slender and fine. You may or may not feel an initial prick, sometimes described as a mosquito bite. Any discomfort will either fade on its own or will be relieved as your acupuncturist adjusts the needles. You should experience a Qi (pronounced “chee”) sensation, often described as heaviness, throbbing or an electrical sensation. That’s your body’s healing energy doing its work.

Myth: Acupuncture has a lot of side effects and you’ll need time off work.

Fact: Acupuncture has few to no side effects; they occur in less than 1 percent of reportable cases. After your acupuncture session, you should be able to carry on throughout your day with no restrictions.

Myth: Once you start acupuncture, you’ll always need acupuncture.

Fact: For most conditions, acupuncturists want to get you to the point where your main problem has been resolved and you no longer have to return. Some people stay on a maintenance schedule, however, such as returning once a month, because acupuncture continues to help a chronic condition.

Myth: If you do not see results in one or two treatments, then you’re unlikely to benefit from acupuncture.

Fact: The response to acupuncture is always an individual one. Some people respond quickly — within one, two or three treatments. Others need a full course of eight to 10 treatments. Acupuncture’s effects are cumulative, building with each treatment, so the acupuncturist will assess its effects after you complete a full series of treatments.

Myth: You’ll need a doctor’s referral or a prescription for acupuncture.

Fact: Guidelines vary by state. (In Ohio, anyone can make an appointment for acupuncture.) Start by asking family and friends for recommendations. Then search the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine website at nccaom.org for licensed acupuncturists in your area. You can also visit your state's medical board website to be sure that the acupuncturist has a valid medical license with no disciplinary actions.

Jamie Starkey is Lead Acupuncturist for the Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative Medicine, within our Wellness Institute.