Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been a key component of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Western medicine has since adopted the practice, which has become a popular solution for pain relief and stress management.
But the benefits of acupuncture extend far past what many would expect – pain relief and stress management are just the beginning. While the majority of studies are not inclusive and benefits can vary from person to person, there is evidence to suggest acupuncture can help with a range of issues. In this article, we’re going to highlight five surprising conditions that acupuncture could help with.
Migraines
Migraines are a type of headache that causes throbbing or pulsating pain and are often followed by nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Migraines can last for hours or even days and are severe enough to interfere with daily activities like work and sleep.
In a 2012 review of studies published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, acupuncture is mentioned as an effective treatment for migraines. A German randomized controlled trial showed that acupuncture is better than no acupuncture, while another controlled trial showed “11 acupuncture treatments given within a 6-week period was at least as effective as a β-blocker taken daily over a 6-month period”.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disorder that impacts the central nervous system, speech, and some parts of the body. Stiffness, slowing movement, and tremors (rhythmic shaking) are common symptoms. There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are medications and treatments available that dull the symptoms and make life more comfortable.
In a 2017 study, South Korean researchers found that acupuncture has possible therapeutic effectiveness. When looking at clinical symptoms, acupuncture was able to help with tremors, decrease the dosage of antiparkinsonian drugs, decrease side effects, and improve sleep. In a review of studies from 2011 to 2021, Portuguese researchers concluded that acupuncture was “more effective in alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease than no treatment or conventional pharmacological treatment alone”.
Respiratory Issues
There are dozens of respiratory diseases and issues that people deal with on a daily basis – some more serious than others. Some of the more common issues include shortness of breath, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and sleep apnea.
Acupuncture has been studied as a treatment for shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, which is often a symptom of COPD. In one 2016 study, the ‘real acupuncture’ group significantly outperformed the ‘sham acupuncture’ group in 6-minute walking distance measurements and health-related quality of life. In a 2019 review of studies, it was found that while acupuncture does not improve the function of the lungs, it can improve the health-related quality of life in patients with COPD.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is one of the more common gastrointestinal disorders, known to cause abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, and constipation. While the causes of IBS are largely unknown, the disorder can present itself as a result of diet, stress, or infection.
Acupuncture is not a treatment for IBS, but there is some evidence to suggest it may help some people suffering from the disorder. It’s worth noting that some studies have been inconclusive or show no improved symptoms, while others do.
In one study from Isfahan University in Iran, 60 participants with IBS were studied, and researchers discovered a decline in constipation and bloating in two of their three groups. Another Chinese study of 90 patients in 2022 showed clinically meaningful improvement in Diarrhea-Predominant IBS in all three of their groups, including the group that received sham acupuncture.
Menstrual Cramps
For women around the world, menstrual cramps are a regular part of life that can range in severity from uncomfortable to unbearably painful. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to extra painful menstrual periods in the absence of any underlying issues, which is common among young women and could occur in just under half of menstruating women.
A study from India published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies selected 60 females for their study on acupuncture and primary dysmenorrhea. The research found that acupuncture could be used to treat some of the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea, including pain, menstrual cramps, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, fainting, mood changes, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting.
Want to learn more about acupuncture and determine if it’s right for you? Contact Stillpoint Community Acupuncture with any questions and inquire about treatment.
