World Health Organization: Conditions SUPPORTED BY Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) technique that is thought to have originated over 3,000 years ago:
Evidence
Tattoo marks on the Ice Man, who died around 3300 BCE, may indicate a form of treatment similar to acupuncture.
First documented system
The first document to describe acupuncture as an organized system of diagnosis and treatment is The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which dates back to around 100 BCE.
Development
Acupuncture likely evolved during the Neolithic Period, 5000 BC to 6000 BC, as a natural extension of massage.
Interest in the West
In the first half of the 19th Century, both America and Britain developed interest in acupuncture. One of the first persons who wanted to set-up a school for Chinese medicine in the U.S. was Dr. Tom Foo Yuen ( 谭富园, August 7, 1858 – July 10, 1947) during the late 1800s in Los Angeles, CA. However, it was not until 1969 or 1970 that the first informal ACM school was actually established in the U.S. This school was called the Institute for Taoist Study located in Los Angeles. However, this school was not registered with the local government and Dr. Gim Shek Ju was the sole teacher at that time. (1)
Acupuncture has gained global recognition as a complementary treatment for various health conditions. Its popularity has risen not just for its holistic approach, but also for its potential to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life in many medical scenarios. The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating certain conditions, backed by clinical studies and patient reports. Here’s a deep dive into some of the medical conditions where acupuncture has shown successful results, as highlighted by WHO.
1. Pain Management
Chronic Pain: Acupuncture is widely used for chronic pain conditions, including osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. Studies have shown that acupuncture can trigger the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, like endorphins, which can reduce pain intensity and improve mobility.
Headaches and Migraines: WHO supports acupuncture for treating tension headaches and migraines. It can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks by modulating neurovascular function and reducing inflammation.
Postoperative Pain: After surgery, many patients experience residual pain that can be challenging to manage. Acupuncture has been shown to help manage this pain by influencing the body’s natural pain pathways, allowing patients to rely less on medication.
Other conditions: Neck pain/stiffness, TMJ/jaw pain, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Arthritis /joint problems, Back /sciatica pain, Shoulder/ knee pain, Sports injuries/ sprains, Tendonitis/tennis elbow, Cervical-brachial syndrome.
2. Mental Health and Neurological Conditions
Anxiety and Depression: Acupuncture’s calming effects on the nervous system can be beneficial for individuals dealing with anxiety and depression. It helps regulate the body’s stress response and has been found to influence neurotransmitters that affect mood.
Insomnia: Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, are another area where acupuncture has shown success. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture can aid in improving sleep quality, helping those who struggle with both onset and maintenance insomnia.
Stroke Rehabilitation: For those recovering from a stroke, acupuncture can aid in regaining motor skills, reducing muscle stiffness, and improving cognitive functions. WHO recognizes acupuncture as an effective complementary therapy in stroke recovery programs.
Other conditions: Peripheral neuropathies, Facial palsy (early stage), Intercostal neuralgia, Facial pain, Meniere’s disease/dizziness, Trigeminal neuralgia.
3. Digestive Conditions
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Acupuncture has been observed to help reduce symptoms of IBS by modulating gut-brain axis activity, helping alleviate abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
Gastritis and Acid Reflux: In cases of chronic gastritis and acid reflux, acupuncture may help by reducing inflammation and regulating digestive function. WHO notes its role in promoting smoother digestion and reducing digestive discomfort.
Other conditions: Acute and chronic gastritis, Indigestion, Food allergies and sensitivities, Nausea and vomiting, Acute/chronic ulcers (pain relief), Constipation/ diarrhea, Colitis.
4. Respiratory Conditions
Allergic Rhinitis: Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes. Studies suggest that it may help modulate immune response and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Asthma: WHO acknowledges acupuncture as a complementary therapy for asthma, helping improve breathing function and reduce symptoms, especially when combined with other medical treatments.
Other conditions: hay fever, acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma, emphysema.
5. Gynecological and Reproductive Health
Menstrual Pain and Irregularities: Women experiencing dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and irregular menstrual cycles (heavy, absent, extended) may find relief with acupuncture, which can help regulate hormonal balance and improve blood flow. Acupuncture is effective for managing PMS as well.
Infertility: Acupuncture has shown some promise in fertility treatments, particularly when used alongside assisted reproductive technologies (ART). It may improve uterine lining quality and blood flow, supporting successful conception. Effective for both women and men.
Menopausal Symptoms: Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings are common during menopause. Acupuncture can provide relief by stabilizing hormonal fluctuations and reducing the intensity of these symptoms.
Other conditions include: diabetes, insulin resistance, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), morning sickness.
6. Addiction and Substance Abuse
Nicotine and Drug Addiction: WHO has recognized acupuncture as an aid in addiction recovery, particularly for those attempting to quit smoking or reduce drug dependence. It works by balancing neurotransmitters, potentially reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
The Black Panther Party (BPP) and other activists such as the Young Lords played a key role in the introduction of acupuncture to addiction treatment in the United States in the 1970s:
Lincoln Detox: In 1970, a group of Black, Latinx, and White members at Lincoln Detox in New York City's South Bronx learned about acupuncture as an alternative to methadone.
In 1972, Tolbert Small, MD, used acupuncture to manage pain after learning about it during a BPP delegation to China.
Harlem Institute of Acupuncture: The BPP helped create one of the first acupuncture schools in the United States, the Harlem Institute of Acupuncture.
National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol: The BPP helped create the NADA protocol, which is now used in hospitals, veteran centers, and rehab centers across the country.
The BPP's use of acupuncture was part of a holistic approach to rehabilitation that also included political education classes. The BPP's efforts to awaken people to the material conditions that caused their addiction challenged the government, who responded by cracking down on these practices.
7. Immune System and Autoimmune Conditions
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Chronic fatigue can severely impact daily life, and acupuncture has been shown to boost energy levels, reduce fatigue, and improve immune function, making it easier for patients to carry out daily activities.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: In autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, acupuncture can help reduce joint pain and inflammation, although it is typically combined with other treatments.
Other conditions: side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy, acute sinusitis, common cold and flu, cough, immune system deficiency.
8. Heart & Circulatory (Cardiovascular)
Hypertension: Acupuncture may help regulate high blood pressure by influencing the autonomic nervous system. Stimulation of specific points, such as PC6 (Pericardium 6) and LI11 (Large Intestine 11), has been found to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. Studies suggest that acupuncture can release endorphins and promote the release of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, helping blood flow more easily and reducing pressure on arterial walls.
Heart Rate Variability: Acupuncture can influence the body’s stress response, which in turn affects heart rate variability (HRV), an important marker of cardiovascular health. Studies indicate that improving HRV through acupuncture may decrease the risk of heart attacks by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which benefits overall heart function.
Improved Circulation: Acupuncture may improve circulation by encouraging vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and promoting blood flow, which is particularly beneficial in conditions like coronary artery disease where restricted blood flow to the heart is a concern.
Reducing Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can contribute to cardiovascular problems like atherosclerosis, where plaque buildup narrows the arteries. Acupuncture is known to reduce inflammatory markers, like C-reactive protein (CRP), by modulating immune system responses. This reduction in inflammation is crucial for maintaining arterial health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol and Lipid Levels: Some studies have shown that acupuncture may help regulate lipid metabolism, potentially lowering harmful cholesterol (LDL) and increasing beneficial cholesterol (HDL). This can reduce plaque buildup in arteries, an important factor in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Other: Kidney/Bladder: Stress incontinence, Urinary tract infections; Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat: Conjunctivitis, Toothache, Post-extraction pain, Chronic pharyngitis; Dermatological: alopecia, acne scars, urticaria, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
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Other References
(1) Arthur Yin Fan, “The legendary life of Dr. Gim Shek Ju, the founding father of the education of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the United States,” Journal of Integrative Medicine, Volume 14, Issue 3, 2016, Pages 159-164, ISSN 2095-4964, https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-4964(16)60260-1 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095496416602601)
Keywords: acupuncture; Chinese medicine; United States; education; history of medicine; Gim Shek Ju