Acupuncture Moves into the Mainstream

Acupuncture, a type of complementary and alternative medicine, is becoming more common in the United States as a treatment for a variety of health problems. About 3,000 medical doctors have joined the ranks of licensed acupuncturists and have been trained in the practice of acupuncture.

Acupuncture has been found to relieve symptoms associated with many health conditions, such as nausea caused by chemotherapy drugs and surgical anesthesia. Unlike some licensed acupuncturists, however, medical acupuncturists generally regard acupuncture as a complementary treatment, not as a primary treatment.  

Alice Brunecky, M.D., is an internist and member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Dr. Brunecky says that many people use acupuncture either when traditional medical treatments have not been entirely successful, or as a supplement to Western medicine in cases in which patients don’t get results.

The following information will help you understand more about the practice of acupuncture.

How it works and what to expect

When you visit an acupuncturist for treatment, he or she will insert sterilized, flexible, fine needles into specific points on your body. These points lie on invisible pathways called meridians in traditional Chinese medicine. Recent U.S. research contends that the needles release chemicals and hormones that influence the brain and central nervous system.

Chinese medicine has held that the body is a delicate balance between the opposing forces of yin and yang, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). If these forces are out of balance, they block qi (pronounced CHEE), the natural flow of energy through the body, and you may become ill. Acupuncture restores the balance by using fine needles to unblock qi—the needles tap into the 14 to 20 meridians at 2,000 or more possible insertion points.

How it's used

Acupuncture is often used to treat addiction, chronic fatigue, and digestive, emotional, gynecological, musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory problems.

When you first visit an acupuncturist, he or she will probably discuss your medical condition and other treatments you are receiving. The practitioner may also ask you about your lifestyle and any medications you are taking.

Treatment may take place over several weeks. In addition to basic acupuncture, your practitioner may use other techniques that may not involve the use of needles.

One technique is sonopuncture, which uses sound waves to stimulate the points where the needles are inserted. Electroacupuncture, a method performed with or without needles, emits a small electrical charge at the points on your body. A third technique, called moxibustion, is another option and is performed by burning herbs to stimulate these points.

Safety issues

Few complications of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA, which regulates the use of acupuncture needles. Each needle must be sterile, nontoxic, and used only once.

Some people are concerned about the prick of the needles used in acupuncture. Although each person experiences pain differently, the pain associated with acupuncture is reported as none or minimal.

Finding an acupuncturist

Two types of acupuncturists practice in the United States. A medical doctor who has had 100 to 300 hours of additional training in acupuncture is called a medical acupuncturist. A licensed acupuncturist is a practitioner who holds a master's degree from a college with an accredited acupuncture and oriental medicine program. Licensed acupuncturists are licensed by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, a licensing credential required by most states. A licensed (or registered) acupuncturist has had 1,363 to 2,000 hours of training in acupuncture, or 2,000 to 3,000 hours of training in oriental medicine, according to the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. After proper training, credentialing, and licensure, both types are considered qualified acupuncture practitioners.

The NCCAM suggests asking your doctor for a referral when seeking an acupuncturist for treatment. This approach supports a complementary approach between your doctor and your acupuncturist in the management of your health condition. You can also find a licensed acupuncturist without a referral from your medical provider. Ultimately, the decision to treat with a particular acupuncturist is yours.

Once you find a practitioner, either medical or licensed, check his or her credentials before you undergo treatment. Be sure to discuss treatment options, risks, the number of visits required, and the cost with your practitioner. Also, check with your health plan before you sign up for treatment. Not all health plans provide coverage for acupuncture, or your plan may have restrictions and limitations on the coverage provided.