A variety of researchers have investigated the history of acupuncture. White & Ernst cite the text The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, (various translations are available on amazon using this ANP link) dating from about 100 BCE as the first known document that describes the organized system of diagnosis and treatment that we now call acupuncture. The writing was discovered during the excavation of the Ma Wang Dui Tomb (discussed below). White & Ernst suggest the text is a compilation of traditions that had been handed down through the generations. Zhuang, Xing, Li, Zeng, & Liang state acupuncture in China is over 3,000 years old. Ananya Mandal, MD agrees with White & Ernst that items (like sharpened stones and long, sharp bones) found in archaeological sites dating back to 6000 BCE, may have had uses other than acupuncture.
Ma Wang Dui Tomb (video below) was excavated between 1792 and 1974 was a fully preserved tomb. There was no evidence of acupuncture within the tomb but the writings found did have references to a system of meridians. Current acupuncture believes there are 12 main meridians representing major organs and functions of the body. These meridians do not follow the pathways created by the body's nerves or blood flow.
Ötzi, the Iceman, whose remains were discovered on September 19, 1991 in the Ötztal Alps located at the border of Austria-Italy border, if the oldest natural mummy (unpreserved, organs intact) dated to between 3350 BC and 3105 BC. Scientists recorded 16 tattoos of 19 groups of black lines on the body. The tattoos do not seem to be ornamental as they would not be visible under the clothing. However, the tattoos are located where there was significant wear and tear on the body. Dr Mandal interprets the tattoo marks on the body as being similar to meridians used in acupuncture. According to Dr Mandal this indicates that acupuncture was in use during the life of Ötzi.
Acupuncture in Western society
Ramey & Buell present the following information on the history of acupuncture in the west (particularly the US) starting with the Travelogue of William of Rubruck (various versions are available at the ANP amazon link as well as using internet search engines) mentioned acupuncture in the 13th century. In the late 16th / early 17th centuries, accounts of actual practice of acupuncture occurred. French physicians started advocating acupuncture in the 18th & 19th centuries. In 1821, a journal article noted that acupuncture consisted of inserting a needle into muscular parts of the body. In the US, 3 local physicians in Philadelphia conducted experiments using acupuncture in an attempt to see if they could resuscitate downed individuals (unsuccessfully). By 1859 doctors concluded the advantages of acupuncture were overrated.
In 1971, a member of the US press corps experienced emergency appendectomy surgery while in China. Acupuncture was used during his recovery. The New York Times published an article by him describing his experience. The article generated an interest in acupuncture. The World Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion was established in 1987. By 1996, the Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Acupuncture Clinical Research Specification has published WHO benchmarks for the practice of acupuncture as a free pdf download. In 1998 the NIH Consensus Conference on Acupuncture was published using evidence encompassing January 1970 to October 1997 from a variety of sources. They concluded that acupuncture was being widely practiced in the US but needed more rigorous scientific study to evaluate its true effectiveness (beyond patient reports).
Requirement for 2000 to 3000 hours of training in a 3- to 4-year program. Board certification encompasses a final standardized exam and the demonstration of adequate training before certification. Many states allow physicians to practice acupuncture without significant training, and others may require a few hundred hours of additions to training and certification.
Zeliadt, Thomas, et.al., published a study on the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture studying 11,406 Veterans August 13, 2020. The authors used information from the Veterans' digital medical records. They concluded that auricular acupuncture has benefited many veterans with reduction in opioid use and less pain (self-scored). Acupuncture is relatively new to the Military/VA medical field. Nordenberg reports that during the Afghanistan war, auricular acupuncture was used as a short-term fix to stabilize the military member for transport on the battlefield. Taylor, Giannitrapani, et. al., published a study of the use of battlefield auricular acupuncture for pain on March 26, 2021. They concluded auricular acupuncture was effective in the self-report of reduction in pain. Kwak, Leem, et.al., published their study on the use of acupuncture for PTSD and related symptoms on November 14, 2023. Auricular acupuncture was the most frequently used form of acupuncture administered with Shenmen and kidney points as a primary target of the treatment. They only reviewed 8 patients (having eliminated the other 8,407 for records duplication, screening, and inappropriateness for the study). The study focused on PTSD symptoms and sleep. This study suggests that auricular acupuncture may be a potentially effective treatment. Further research is needed (since they eliminated 8,407 patients and only looked at 8 people, I would say so!). Ostanik-Thornton's April 28, 2025 article on auricular acupuncture administered at Fort Wainwright, Alaska indicates that auricular acupuncture is effective in reducing pain, improving sleep, stabilizing mood, improving energy, and increasing resilience. With the rising push to remove Veterans from opioid dependence, the VA is finding that auricular acupuncture is inexpensive, easy to teach, and effective. Now the VA is allowing Veterans to receive acupuncture care outside of VA facilities due to the lack of trained staff.
Disturbance of blood coagulation (such as those people taking blood thinners like warfarin, coumadin, or other anticoagulants; or who have blood diseases that cause excessive bleeding)
Those with unstable epilepsy
Infants whose fontanelle has not closed
Lower abdomen or lumbosacral region in pregnant women (to avoid uterus contractions)
Patients with AICD should avoid electromagnetic stimulation used as a form of acupuncture
If you have a pacemaker, treatments using mild electrical pulses may interfere with your pacemaker's operation
In addition acupuncture treatment should not be used where there are open ulcers, open sores, or scars on the body. The depth of insertion of the needles needs to be controlled in areas close to vital blood vessels, nerve trunks, and/or vital organs.
How does it work?
Acupuncture needles are normally made from stainless steel or other conductive metals (like silver or gold). The FDA regulates acupuncture needles and requires they be steel, solid, sterile, nontoxic, and properly labeled. Electrons pass through the needles from practitioner to patient. Acupuncture points hold charge density that is impacted by the influx of electrons from the treatment. In turn the electrons excite the membrane of the surrounding cells to produce biological reactions. Depending on the location of the point chosen is which reactions are elicited. Acupuncture acts upon the endocannabinoid systems and will immediately give the patient a euphoric sensation. The University of Maryland School of Medicine describes acupuncture as a traditional Chinese medicine that promotes the body's innate ability to heal itself through the balancing of the flow of the body's energy.
The Cleveland Clinic explains there are hundreds of acupoints in the body along 14 major meridians. The needles stimulate your central nervous system and immune system to react to an illness or symptom, rebalance the body, and release your body's natural painkillers and neurotransmitters that control nerve impulses.
Japanese, Korean, and Chinese acupuncture differ with gauge of needles used and amounts of stimulation applied when inserting the needle. Auricular acupuncture uses 200 acupuncture points located in the ear.
What modalities are used in acupuncture?
In addition to needles, Chinese herbal medicine, gua sha, cupping (using small glass cups to create suction on the skin increasing blood circulation), diet therapy, tui na techniques (pressure on certain acupoints to open blood flow and reduce pain), and many other things can be used. Oriental medicine can be thought of as a tree with many different branches of modalities.
What is the primary goal of acupuncture?
Homeostasis: a balance of energy in the body and restoration to health.
What kinds of physical issues can acupuncture help?
Addiction
Allergies, asthma, and chronic sinusitis
Arthritis and other joint and spine pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve pain
Cancer discomfort (and nausea and vomiting associated with the treatments)
Face pain
Fibromyalgia
Gastrointestinal conditions such as IBD, heartburn, GERD, constipation
Headaches
High blood pressure
Immune system issues
Infertility
Knee pain
Menopause, peri-menopause, menstrual cramps, and other associated issues
Migraines
Myofascial pain
Nerve discomfort
Neuropathy
Osteoarthritis
Pain: neck, back, sciatica, low back pain
Post operative dental pain
Postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) using auricular acupuncture
Pregnancy discomfort
Repetitive strain disorders and overuse syndrome
Sleep disturbances
Smoking cessation
Sports injuries
Stroke rehabilitation
Tennis elbow
Trigger point therapy
Weight management
Medicare Part B will cover acupuncture but only for chronic low back pain lasting 12 weeks or longer, not associated with surgery or pregnancy, with no known cause (not related to cancer, inflammation, or infectious disease).
Prescription drugs can drastically impact the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment. The length of time the patient has had the issue can impact how many treatments and how effective they are. How progressed an issue is can also impact treatment results, such as starting acupuncture when cancer is at stage 4. Tinnitus is unusually resistant to acupuncture usually due to high toxicity exposure or desecration of the bodies' systems and poor biological functioning. The practitioner will work with the patient to determine which modalities meet the patient's needs.
Does it hurt?
While the insertion of the needle normally does not hurt, there can be a reaction as the needle touches an 'inflamed' site. You can experience an "electric" feeling that will dissipate as you relax and rest for the 30 minute treatment. The Cleveland Clinic adds that if you feel a deep heaviness or numbness, it usually means the treatment is working.
Factors effecting the body's physiological response to acupuncture
The de qi sensation: The most common sensation associated with acupuncture is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as de qi (pronounced "duh-chee"). It is described as a non-painful, momentary dull ache, tingling, or heavy sensation at the needle site. It is considered a positive sign that the needle has properly engaged the body's energy (qi) and nerve fibers to initiate the healing process.
Activation of the nervous system: Acupuncture stimulates nerve fibers and the central nervous system, which triggers a cascade of effects. This includes the release of the body's natural painkillers, endorphins, which bind to the same receptors as opioid drugs to reduce pain perception.
Biomechanical tissue response: The physical manipulation of the needle can cause the body's connective tissues, particularly collagen fibers, to wind around it. This is called "needle grasp" and is felt by the acupuncturist as resistance. This mechanical action may stimulate the surrounding cells and modulate nerve signals.
Increased blood flow: At the insertion site, the micro-trauma from the needle causes increased local blood flow. This boosts the delivery of oxygen and nutrients while helping to remove metabolic waste, which can help relieve inflammation and muscle tension.
Inflammatory response: The slight trauma from the needle can trigger a mild inflammatory response in the area, which is a normal and temporary part of the healing process.
Factors that influence pain perception
Sensitive points and nerve stimulation: Some areas of the body, such as the hands, feet, and face, have a higher concentration of nerve endings and may be more sensitive to needle insertion. A brief, sharp, or zapping sensation may occur if a nerve is intentionally or unintentionally grazed by the needle. This is usually temporary and not cause for alarm.
Underlying tension or blockage: According to traditional acupuncture theory, pain can be a sign that there is a blockage in the body's energy (qi) flow. The needle may cause more discomfort as it works to release built-up tension in tight muscles or trigger points.
Patient anxiety or sensitivity: A person's state of mind can influence their perception of pain. First-time patients may be more anxious, and those who are generally more sensitive may feel sensations more intensely. Acupuncture's deeply relaxing effect often eases this tension in later sessions.
Practitioner skill: The technique used by the acupuncturist plays a critical role in the patient's comfort. Skilled practitioners use thin, high-quality needles and precise insertion techniques to minimize discomfort.
How long does it take to see results?
Length of time and number of visits it takes to address the health issue depends on how long the issue has existed. The "deeper" the issue, the more treatments that will be necessary. The University of Maryland School of Medicine suggests that starting with 2 or 3 times per week with a goal of once every 2 weeks when practitioner and patient agree the issue is being well controlled.
What to expect when you go
The practitioner will ask you what physical issues you are currently experiencing
The practitioner will instruct you to disrobe as appropriate for where the needles need to be place, then instruct you to lay either face up or face down on the table
The practitioner will insert the acupuncture needles
You will relax and rest for 30 minutes (chi travels the body in 28 minutes, so a 30 minute session allows the chi to fully circulate)
The practitioner will remove the acupuncture needles
The practitioner will ask you how you are feeling
After effects
An euphoric sensation
Depending on the state of health of the patient, the patient can feel exhausted and need to rest
You may experience bruising at the insertion site
You may experience slight bleeding at the insertion site
You might want to have a driver for your first appointment as you do not know the effects you will experience
You might want to take it easy for the day or two after each treatment
Interview the practitioner asking what is involved in the treatment, how likely it is to help your condition, and what it will cost
Bottom Line
Acupuncture is a nonpharmacological treatment option for a variety of diseases and symptoms. In Eastern societies, almost every medical condition has been treated with acupuncture. In Western societies, acupuncture tends to be used primarily for pain (acute & chronic) as well as nausea & vomiting stemming from chemotherapy or post-operations.
Dr. Sutton is an O.M.D. with specialized training in acupuncture. Dr Sutton opened a private practice specializing in acupuncture, Holistic Health of Las Vegas, in Las Vegas, NV in 2021.
I am trying a different crossword puzzle maker since the last one came out blurry and have redone the 2nd Amendment crossword (same clues & answers, click to enlarge image):
ANP Fundraiser:
‘Dangerous, Derogatory, Harmful, Unreliable!’
Those are some of the exact words used by Google’s censors, aka 'Orwellian content police,' in describing many of our controversial stories. Stories later proven to be truthful and light years ahead of the mainstream media. But because we reported those 'inconvenient truths' they're trying to bankrupt ANP.
