Myth 1: Acupuncture is painful

The fear of pain is a common concern that people express when they realise that acupuncture remedies involve needles. 

However, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the treatment is done with thin needles and most users report feeling minimal discomfort. For most people, the needle results in a mild pressure or ache, but nothing excruciating. 

Pain tolerance differs based on the individual. A few users were able to report positive experiences with the needles where it left them feeling energized and relaxed. 

Myth 2: Acupuncture is an ancient treatment and healthcare professionals would not recommend it

Although acupuncture has been around for a very long time, its longstanding history proves to be a testament to the effectiveness of the practice. 

Many healthcare professionals do support and recommend acupuncture therapies to their patients. According to Mike Cummings, Medical Director of the British Medical Acupuncture Society and Associate Editor of the journal Acupuncture in Medicine, “acupuncture is a safe alternative to drugs for chronic pain.”

Since 2018, approximately 88% of the World Health Organization (WHO) the Member States have supported acupuncture as an effective, safe, and high-quality treatment.

Myth 3: There are no side effects

There are side effects reported with most forms of treatments and acupuncture is no exception. Acupuncture debunked exposes the potential risks associated with this practice because it is important to be informed about possible side effects before starting the treatment. 

Although these side effects are rare, they do occur in a few patients:

Fatigue, Soreness, Bruising, Muscle Twitching , Light-headedness, Emotional Release 

Most people experience positive side effects such as better sleeping patterns, increased energy, physical & mental clarity, and improved digestion. Although, in the beginning, emotional release can be overwhelming, it can result in better self-awareness and a positive emotional release of suppressed emotions that can reduce stress levels.

Myth 4: Acupuncture can conflict with other treatments 

The opposite effect is true; acupuncture does not interfere with current treatments, rather it can support the effectiveness of other treatments. 

In a 2012 study, approximately half of the cancer patients used complementary therapy during the treatment of their illness. People believe that complementary therapies can help them emotionally by reducing anxiety and stress. 

A lot of patients are drawn to these therapies because it feels natural and non-toxic to them. They feel exhausted by the prevalent forms of treatment recommended by specialists and they seek more natural solutions. Alternative therapies, like acupuncture, can fill this need by providing patients with an active approach to exploring other effective options.

Myth 5: Acupuncture relief is a result of the placebo effect 

Acupuncture is not a placebo as it is a successful form of treatment that does lead to lasting desirable results. Acupuncture helps people release endorphins in the brain to work as a natural painkiller, and the effect of the treatment can improve the autonomic nervous system. 

In a meta-analysis study conducted by The U.S. Association For The Study Of Pain, the researchers stated that “acupuncture has a clinically relevant effect on chronic pain that persists over time.” The beneficial impact of acupuncture treatment can be experienced one year after the treatment.

The study concluded that the effects of acupuncture are not a placebo, and they do see the value in referring patients for acupuncture services to manage their chronic pain.

Myth 6: Acupuncture builds dependence, and there is no end to the treatment plan

Acupuncture does not require the user to stay on the treatment for an indefinite period. In most cases, the treatment promotes natural healing that will lead to recovery, and people can discontinue the therapy when they feel healed. 

In fact, acupuncture can be a tool to fight other drug addictions that people struggle to discontinue. Unfortunately, the number of opioid-related deaths is on the rise and people are recognizing that opioids are only one method to experience relief from pain. 

Many people are reconsidering the use of prescription drugs and seeking natural acupuncture remedies to produce similar results without the negative consequences. 

Myth 7: Acupuncture is only used in pain management 

Pain relief is only one benefit of acupuncture treatment as these alternative therapies provide solutions for a variety of diseases and conditions. Many people turn to acupuncture to treat their lower back pain, headaches, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. These treatment plans can also provide dental relief, and cancer care, boost fertility and help people fight addictions.

A patient’s needs will dictate the type of acupuncture they require to mitigate their symptoms. 

The goal of acupuncture debunked is to introduce promising alternative therapies and invalidate false claims. If users can develop a clear understanding of acupuncture, they will feel empowered to explore and make sound medical decisions that work best for their needs.