Acupuncture: Is it Right for You?

What Can Acupuncture Help Treat?

Acupuncture is part of many pain and wellness programs because evidence supports its use for several conditions. It is commonly used to help ease:

• Chronic lower back and neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Menstrual cramps
• Osteoarthritis-related joint pain
• Postoperative nausea and chemotherapy-related nausea
• Sleep difficulties and stress-related symptoms
• Muscle tension

Many patients seek acupuncture for pain management, especially when back, neck or joint pain impacts activities of daily living. Others use acupuncture to help manage headaches, including tension headaches and certain types of migraines. Acupuncture is also used to help reduce nausea associated with surgery or cancer treatment, as well as to support relaxation and emotional well-being.

Because it supports both physical and emotional aspects of health, acupuncture is often a part of integrative medicine programs. It is typically used in conjunction with medical care, such as medication management, osteopathic manipulation, regenerative medicine, injections, physical therapy, or behavioral health services, as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.

How Effective Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture does not cure disease, but research shows it can relieve symptoms and support recovery for certain conditions. Studies from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and other pain-management organizations suggest acupuncture may:

• Reduce chronic pain more effectively than no treatment
• Lower the intensity and frequency of some headaches
• Help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms
• Improve stress incontinence in women

Effectiveness varies from person to person, and some conditions respond better than others.

“Acupuncture tends to work best when it is viewed as one component of a complete care plan,” said Rebecca Fishman, D.O. “When patients respond, the greatest benefit often occurs after several sessions, and it may enhance the effects of other treatments rather than replace them. That said, I have seen some patients’ symptoms completely resolve following a single acupuncture treatment session.”

How Does Acupuncture Compare to Traditional Treatments?

When performed by a licensed professional, acupuncture is generally considered safe. The needles used are sterile and single-use. Side effects are usually mild and temporary and may include soreness or light bruising at the needle site.

While acupuncture does not replace treatments recommended by your physician, it may help:

• Ease stress and support improved sleep
• Improve mobility and physical function
• Reduce nausea
• Decrease muscle tension
• Support pain control

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

You may consider acupuncture if you experience chronic pain, frequent headaches, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, or stress, and are looking for non-medication options to support your health. Some patients also find acupuncture helpful during recovery after surgery or medical treatment as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Acupuncture is not appropriate for everyone. It may need to be avoided or modified for individuals with bleeding disorders, certain heart conditions, or those who take blood-thinning medications, active skin infections at the needle sites, severe needle sensitivity, or compromised immune systems. Pregnant patients should speak with their physician or a licensed acupuncturist before starting treatment, as certain acupuncture points should be avoided during pregnancy.

Before beginning acupuncture, talk with your physician to determine whether it is a safe and appropriate option for your individual health needs.

Learn more about our Integrative Medicine services at Catholic Health.