Acupuncture in Modern Family Medicine Practice

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been used for over 2,500 years to treat pain and improve overall health. While its roots are ancient, acupuncture has only recently gained recognition in Western medicine. Today, more family doctors around the world are incorporating this holistic treatment into their practices. 

From Ancient Practice to Modern Medicine

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to restore the flow of energy, or Qi, along pathways known as meridians. For centuries, it has been a trusted remedy. However, it took until recently for Western doctors to study and validate its effectiveness. Recent research shows that acupuncture can significantly reduce pain, opening the door for its use in modern medical practices[2, 3]. 

The first documentation of acupuncture that described it as an organized system of diagnosis and treatment is in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (Huangdi Neijing), which dates back to 100 BCE. The practice spread to neighboring countries and was introduced to the West in the 17th century. Despite early skepticism, acupuncture gained significant attention in the United States in the 1970s after a New York Times reporter described its effectiveness for pain relief. Since then, scientific research and endorsements from health organizations like the WHO and NIH have validated its use. 

[Read more: Know the Different Types of Acupuncture]

Challenges in Integration

Despite its proven benefits, many doctors and patients have preconceived notions about acupuncture. Some see it as unscientific or unconventional. This skepticism is understandable but often fades with proper education and firsthand experience. Many doctors who initially doubted acupuncture have changed their minds after seeing the positive outcomes in their patients.

Family physicians must be adequately trained to feel confident in offering acupuncture to their patients. Training not only demystifies the practice but also equips physicians with the skills necessary to communicate its benefits effectively. Research has shown that physicians who undergo acupuncture training are less likely to prescribe opioids and are more likely to maintain a holistic view of patient care[4, 5].

[Read more: Your Body as a Garden] [Read more: TCM vs Western Medicine]

Implementing Medical Acupuncture

Acupuncture and other TCM techniques such as moxibustion, and cupping, are important in traditional Eastern medicine and are increasingly used in the West. Acupuncture is predominantly practiced in China[6], followed by USA[7], Australia[8], and Europe[9].   

Family doctors are now learning how to integrate acupuncture into their services, offering you more options for pain management. Here’s how they do it:

1. Education and Training: Doctors receive training in acupuncture techniques and learn about its benefits. This training helps them feel confident in recommending and administering acupuncture.

2. Patient Communication: Doctors talk with patients about acupuncture, explaining what it involves and how it can help. They ensure patients understand what to expect during sessions.

3. Holistic Health Focus: Acupuncture is not just about pain relief. It can improve sleep, mental health, and overall quality of life. Doctors consider these broader health benefits when discussing treatment options with patients.

[Read more: Acupuncture for Holistic Cancer Treatment in Slovenia]

Addressing Common Concerns

Fear of Needles

Many people are nervous about needles. However, acupuncture needles are very thin, much finer than those used for injections or blood tests. Most patients find the process relaxing and painless once they try it. Doctors often start with just one needle to ease any anxiety.

Time and Cost

Scheduling time for acupuncture sessions can be challenging. The waiting time could be quite long. Also, acupuncture is not a “quick fix” and requires consecutive treatments, each session lasting around 30 minutes. While insurance coverage varies, the long-term benefits often justify the expense.

Side Effects

While all therapies come with risks and benefits, acupuncture is safe when performed by a trained practitioner using single-use, sterile needles. Relatively few complications have been reported.

The Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a natural, non-pharmacologic treatment with minimal side effects. It is particularly beneficial for chronic pain conditions that haven’t responded well to other treatments. Patients often report not only reduced pain but also improvements in sleep, mood, and overall well-being.

There have been over 13,000 studies conducted in 60 countries, including hundreds of meta-analyses summarizing the results of thousands of human and animal studies. A wide variety of clinical areas have been studied, including pain, cancer, pregnancy, stroke, mood disorders, sleep disorders, and inflammation, to name a few.[Read more: Acupuncture: An Overview of Scientific Evidence]

As more family doctors embrace acupuncture, patients gain access to this ancient yet effective treatment. By overcoming skepticism and integrating acupuncture into their practices, doctors can offer a holistic approach to pain management and overall health. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain or looking for a natural way to enhance your well-being, acupuncture could be a valuable addition to your healthcare routine.

If you’re curious about how acupuncture can help you, talk to your family doctor or visit our TCM clinic. We're here to support your journey to better health through the timeless wisdom of acupuncture.

Reference: 

1. Ledford CJW, Crawford PF 3rd. Integrating Medical Acupuncture into Family Medicine Practice. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jul 15;100(2):76-78. PMID: 31305038.

2. Kelly RB, Willis J. Acupuncture for Pain. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jul 15;100(2):89-96. PMID: 31305037.

3. Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, MacPherson H, Foster NE, Sherman KJ, Irnich D, Witt CM, Linde K; Acupuncture Trialists' Collaboration. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain. 2018 May;19(5):455-474. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005. Epub 2017 Dec 2. PMID: 29198932; PMCID: PMC5927830.

4. Crawford P, Penzien DB, Coeytaux R. Reduction in Pain Medication Prescriptions and Self-Reported Outcomes Associated with Acupuncture in a Military Patient Population. Med Acupunct. 2017 Aug 1;29(4):229-231. doi: 10.1089/acu.2017.1234. PMID: 28874924; PMCID: PMC5580367.

5. Crawford PF 3rd, Rupert J, Jackson JT, Walkowski S, Ledford CJW. Relationship of Training in Acupuncture to Physician Burnout. J Am Board Fam Med. 2019 Mar-Apr;32(2):259-263. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2019.02.180204. PMID: 30850462.

6. Zhang J, Shang H, Gao X, Ernst E. Acupuncture-related adverse events: a systematic review of the Chinese literature. Bull World Health Organ. 2010 Dec 1;88(12):915-921C. doi: 10.2471/BLT.10.076737. Epub 2010 Aug 27. PMID: 21124716; PMCID: PMC2995190.

7. Xu S, Wang L, Cooper E, Zhang M, Manheimer E, Berman B, Shen X, Lao L. Adverse events of acupuncture: a systematic review of case reports. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:581203. doi: 10.1155/2013/581203. Epub 2013 Mar 20. PMID: 23573135; PMCID: PMC3616356.

8. Xue CC, Zhang AL, Lin V, Myers R, Polus B, Story DF. Acupuncture, chiropractic and osteopathy use in Australia: a national population survey. BMC Public Health. 2008 Apr 1;8:105. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-8-105. PMID: 18377663; PMCID: PMC2322980.

9. Litscher, Gerhard, Litscher, Daniel. Modernization of Acupuncture Education in Europe and China: A Report from Austria. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine. 2016. https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.1601002.