acupuncture overview uptodate2025

[Virtual Presenter] Hello everyone, in today's video, we will be discussing acupuncture. We will cover its origins, styles, techniques, and usage patterns. Acupuncture has a rich history dating back to ancient China and has since evolved into various forms and practices. The term "acupuncture" derives from the Latin words "acus" meaning needle and "punctura" meaning penetration. It was first documented in Chinese texts approximately 2000 years ago and is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world. Over time, acupuncture has expanded to include a wide range of styles, including Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and French acupuncture. There are also specialized forms like hand, auricular, and scalp acupuncture. In essence, acupuncture involves stimulating specific points on the body. While the most well-known technique uses thin, solid, metallic needles, other methods may include manual pressure, electrical stimulation, magnets, low-power lasers, heat, and ultrasound. However, the most commonly used and studied methods involve manual manipulation and electrical stimulation using thin, solid, metallic needles inserted into the skin. For the purpose of this video, when we refer to "acupuncture", we are specifically discussing these two techniques. Our presentation will provide a general overview of acupuncture, with separate discussions on how it can be applied in various clinical settings such as oncology care and pain management. We will also touch on its use for postoperative nausea and vomiting. Thank you for watching, and we hope you found this presentation informative. Now, let's delve into the world of acupuncture and learn about its fascinating history, styles, techniques, and usage patterns..

[Audio] Acupuncture, a widely used medical procedure, has its origins in ancient China. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, external factors such as the skin, complexion, bones, channels, smells, sounds, mental state, preferences, emotions, demeanor, and body build are used for diagnosis. This approach requires a thorough evaluation and may incorporate seemingly unrelated symptoms in order to address the root issue. The practice of Chinese acupuncture involves 365 acupuncture points located on 14 main channels, or meridians, that connect the body. These channels are associated with specific organs, however, their organization differs from that of Western medicine. Over time, more acupuncture points have been added, bringing the total to at least 2000, though a typical acupuncturist may only use around 150 points in a session. During a typical acupuncture session, 5 to 20 fine metal needles are inserted in the patient's body and left in place for 10 to 15 minutes. Sessions can last up to one hour, but may be as short as 15 minutes. Treatments usually occur one to two times a week, with the total number of sessions varying based on the patient's condition, disease severity, and chronicity. In traditional Chinese acupuncture, the effectiveness of needle placement is determined by the restoration of harmony within the body. This is the ultimate goal of the procedure, and its long history and continued usage demonstrate its popularity and effectiveness as a treatment option..

[Audio] Today, we will be discussing the medical procedure of acupuncture, its origins in China, and the challenges in researching its effectiveness. There are various styles and techniques of acupuncture that may work differently for different individuals. Experience also plays a significant role in its effectiveness. The difficulty of conducting double-blind studies and the use of sham acupuncture as a control method are ongoing debates and challenges in acupuncture research. While there is conflicting evidence, a recent meta-analysis found that acupuncture has shown superior results in relieving pain in conditions such as osteoarthritis and chronic headache. To truly assess the effectiveness of acupuncture, it is important to consider these factors and potential biases in studies. Thank you for watching..

[Audio] Slide 4: The next part of our discussion will focus on specific conditions where acupuncture has proven to be effective. There have been numerous controlled trials for various conditions, demonstrating the growing evidence in support of acupuncture. This includes its effectiveness in treating chronic pain, such as chronic low back pain, headaches, neck pain, knee osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and post-operative pain. Studies have shown that both real and sham acupuncture are more effective than regular care without acupuncture in alleviating pain. In fact, the American College of Physicians now includes acupuncture as a first-line non-pharmacologic treatment for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain. Further research has also found that acupuncture may improve pain associated with diabetic neuropathy, a common and uncomfortable condition. When it comes to elbow pain, specifically lateral elbow tendinosis, acupuncture has shown moderate efficacy in reducing pain and improving function compared to a sham procedure. However, systematic reviews have not consistently supported its benefits for this condition. In the case of fibromyalgia, acupuncture has also been proven to be a helpful non-pharmacologic option for managing pain. This is especially important as fibromyalgia is a challenging condition to treat and often requires a multifaceted approach. For more information, we recommend referring to additional resources on managing subacute and chronic low back pain, as well as chronic non-cancer pain in adults. We will also delve into more detail on specific conditions in later slides..

[Audio] Today we will be discussing acupuncture, a widely used medical procedure with a history dating back to ancient China. On slide 5, we will focus on its origins, styles, techniques, and usage patterns. We will also discuss the various conditions it has been studied for and its effectiveness. Acupuncture has shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, such as women's health. While it has not been found to be superior to sham acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes, it is important to note the possible placebo effect. Studies have shown that acupuncture can significantly improve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. For dysmenorrhea, there is mixed evidence on its efficacy, but the potential benefits seem to outweigh the risks. It has also been shown to effectively treat primary dysmenorrhea in some studies. Moving on to gastrointestinal conditions, a meta-analysis of 34 trials found that acupuncture, when used with Western medicine, was more effective in treating functional dyspepsia. Similarly, for gastroesophageal reflux disease, acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy has shown to improve symptoms. Finally, a multicenter trial found that acupuncture is an effective and safe adjunctive therapy for chronic severe functional constipation. In conclusion, while the evidence may be inconsistent, acupuncture has proven effective in treating a variety of conditions..

[Audio] In this presentation, we will be discussing slide number 6 out of 9, which provides a summary of the origins, styles, techniques, and usage patterns of acupuncture. This medical procedure has a history dating back to ancient China and is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and regulate the flow of qi, or energy. It is widely used around the world for various medical conditions. One of the first known mentions of acupuncture in the Western world was in a 1971 New York Times article by journalist James Reston, who wrote about his experience with the practice during his stay in China. This sparked interest and further research into its effectiveness. In recent years, acupuncture has been incorporated into mainstream medicine, with many physicians now integrating it into their practice. A review found that over 60% of doctors have recommended or used acupuncture as a complementary and alternative medicine. According to the National Health Statistics Reports, the use of acupuncture and other complementary health approaches has been steadily increasing in the United States over the past decade. This highlights the growing interest and acceptance of this ancient practice in modern medicine. Along with its medical uses, there is also interest in the potential effects of acupuncture on the mind and body. Physicist Fritjof Capra explores the parallels between modern physics and Eastern mysticism in his book "The Tao of Physics," including concepts such as qi and yin and yang. To further understand the techniques and applications of acupuncture, texts like "Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion" and "Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text" are valuable resources, as they delve into its history and theories. Other texts, like "Understanding Acupuncture" and "The Foundations of Chinese Medicine," provide a comprehensive understanding for both acupuncturists and individuals..

[Audio] This presentation will explore the world of acupuncture, focusing on its different styles, techniques, and usage patterns. The seventh slide will discuss electroacupuncture, a popular method that uses small electric currents to stimulate acupoints. Recent studies have shown that electroacupuncture can be effective in treating chronic pain and may have potential benefits beyond pain relief. Other research delves into the concept of acupoint sensitization and its potential role in understanding the mechanisms of acupuncture. Additionally, studies have suggested that acupoints have a neurophysiological basis, and dopamine may play a significant role in the immune system modulation achieved through electroacupuncture. To ensure reliable results, researchers are working on standardizing and individualizing treatments in clinical trials. However, the use of sham acupuncture as a control for placebo has been debated. Many practitioners also emphasize the importance of the human touch and individualized treatment in acupuncture. This has been highlighted in a 1992 article on acupuncture in Medical Acupuncture..

[Audio] This presentation covers the history, styles, techniques, and usage patterns of acupuncture. We will specifically focus on slide number eight, which discusses clinical trials and studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture. Acupuncture has a long history dating back to ancient China and has gained popularity in Western countries due to its effectiveness. Various studies and trials have been conducted to evaluate the use of acupuncture in treating different health conditions, with promising results. For example, slide number 117 discusses a three-armed randomized trial that found acupuncture to be more effective in reducing pain and improving function compared to standard treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Similarly, slide number 118 covers a randomized controlled trial that showed significant improvement in pain and function for those who received acupuncture for chronic low back pain. Slide number 119 focuses on a study comparing acupuncture to a placebo for chronic mechanical neck pain, which found acupuncture to be more effective in reducing pain and improving function. Slide number 120 discusses a study on acupuncture for migraine treatment, where acupuncture was found to be superior to standard pharmacological therapy. Additionally, slide number 121 discusses a randomized control trial on acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis, with promising long-term results in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraines. Slide number 122 discusses a systematic review on acupuncture versus standard pharmacological therapy for migraine prevention, which concluded that acupuncture is a valid alternative treatment option. Moving on to slide number 123, a systematic review of treatment recommendations for neck and low back pain found acupuncture to be an evidence-based treatment with good outcomes. Slide number 124 covers a systematic review on acupuncture for neck disorders, which showed effectiveness in improving pain and function. Lastly, slide number 125 looks at a study on complementary and alternative medicine in treating chronic musculoskeletal pain, where acupuncture was found to be beneficial..

[Audio] At the end of our presentation, it is important to summarize the key points we have learned about acupuncture. This ancient Chinese medical procedure has been widely adopted in modern medicine and involves the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body to promote natural healing and overall well-being. Throughout this presentation, we have discussed the different styles and techniques of acupuncture and its usage in various medical conditions. This includes its success in treating conditions such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, chronic severe functional constipation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Research has proven that acupuncture is a highly effective treatment with minimal side effects. While more research is needed, it is evident that acupuncture has the potential to greatly improve the lives of those suffering from medical conditions. On behalf of our team, I would like to express our gratitude for your participation and interest in learning more about acupuncture. We hope this presentation has provided you with a deeper understanding of this ancient practice and its significant role in modern medicine. Thank you for your attention and have a fantastic day..