What can acupuncture help with? 8 science-backed benefits

We’ve all heard of acupuncture – but do you actually know what it can help with? And is it really backed by research? Studies suggest acupuncture may offer support for a surprising range of health conditions, which is why researchers continue exploring the benefits of acupuncture across different areas of health and well-being.

At first glance, a treatment involving needles might not sound particularly relaxing. But for thousands of years, acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and, in more recent years, Western acupuncture. Known for its therapeutic use of fine, sterile needles to stimulate the nerves, muscles, and connective tissues in our bodies, acupuncture has been used to help with a wide variety of ailments, from chronic pain to nausea and stress-related conditions. 

Today, researchers are increasingly curious about how effective acupuncture is and if it can have temporary or lasting benefits. More and more studies are looking into how acupuncture can help us. While it isn’t a cure-all, and research quality can vary, studies suggest that acupuncture may offer support for a surprising range of health conditions. 

Types of acupuncture explained: Chinese acupuncture, medical acupuncture, and acupressure

The term acupuncture is used generally to refer to any form of acupuncture which uses fine needles inserted into strategic points around the body. Traditional acupuncture, also known as Chinese acupuncture, aims to bring balance to your body’s energy flow (qi) through stimulating certain meridian points on the body. 

Medical acupuncture, also known as Western acupuncture, is an adaptation of traditional acupuncture, which uses fine needles to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities without adhering to the concept of qi, instead regarding acupuncture as part of conventional medicine.

Acupressure is a technique that is guided by the same holistic principles as traditional acupuncture, without the use of needles. Instead, pressure is applied to help unblock energy pathways. 

So, now we know a little bit more about the differences between the different kinds of acupuncture, what can they help with? Research into acupuncture has explored several health concerns. Here are eight areas where studies suggest it may offer support.

What can acupuncture help with?

Acupuncture for migraines and chronic tension headaches

Some large analyses suggest acupuncture may reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, particularly when used over several weeks. It’s thought that acupuncture can help reduce the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraines, often with fewer side effects than other treatment options.

By stimulating nerves to release pain-relieving endorphins, regulating serotonin levels, and lowering inflammation, acupuncture can also help ease muscle tension and calm your nervous system to help reduce migraine frequency and intensity. 

Acupuncture for chronic (long-term) pain

Chronic pain is one of the areas where acupuncture has the most consistent evidence, with large analyses showing modest but meaningful pain reduction. Meta-analyses suggest acupuncture can lead to modest but meaningful reductions in long-term pain. Clinical trials have explored its use for conditions including low back pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic prostatitis. 

As with migraines, acupuncture can help to stimulate your nervous system, helping release natural pain-relieving chemicals and increasing local blood flow. This, in turn, can help many people with chronic pain experience relief. 

Acupuncture for hiccups

Studies suggest that acupuncture and acupressure can be effective in assisting with persistent and intractable hiccups (hiccups that last longer than a month). One study suggested that acupuncture may be more effective than other pharmacological treatments, particularly with chronic hiccups.  

Acupuncture for anxiety 

When we feel anxious, it can impact us physically as well as mentally. Some research suggests that acupuncture may be able to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and regulate our body's stress response through affecting our nervous system and stress hormones. A systematic review and meta-analysis looking into the effects of acupuncture on generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) found that acupuncture showed beneficial effects for anxiety symptoms across multiple studies, though more high-quality trials are still needed to get a clearer picture of how acupuncture can help. 

Acupuncture for jaw tension and teeth grinding

Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce pain and muscle tension associated with jaw tension and teeth grinding (though more research is still needed). Helping to relax muscles, reduce pain, and lower stress, studies have suggested that acupuncture may help improve jaw movement, reducing related pain. 

Acupuncture for period pain

Some people find that acupuncture can be as effective as, or more effective than, pain medication. Through stimulating nerves, increasing endorphins, and reducing inflammation, acupuncture may be able to help with period-related pain relief.

A number of studies have explored acupuncture for period pain, with some reporting reduced pain intensity and improved symptoms when compared with standard care, while other studies suggest certain acupuncture-based treatments may reduce period pain and related symptoms more effectively than oral painkillers. Combinations such as acupuncture with herbal patches applied to specific pressure points showed particularly promising results. However, researchers say larger, high-quality studies are still needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Acupuncture for digestive discomfort

Studies exploring acupuncture for digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) suggest it may help improve symptoms for some people, although other research has found similar benefits to standard treatments.

Acupuncture for sleep disruption

Sleep difficulties can stem from many different causes, from stress and anxiety to digestive issues. A growing body of research suggests that acupuncture may be able to help improve sleep quality and duration. Acupuncture can be used to target specific points to stimulate your nervous system to help increase melatonin secretion and reduce stress. Studies have also suggested that acupuncture combined with medication or herbs may be more effective. 

Curious about trying acupuncture?

While research into acupuncture continues to grow, scientists note that study quality varies and results can be inconsistent. For this reason, many experts view acupuncture as a complementary therapy – something that works alongside conventional medical care rather than replacing it.

For many people, it offers another way to support their health and well-being, particularly when guided by a qualified practitioner. If you’re curious, speaking to an experienced acupuncturist may be a good first step in discovering whether it could work for you.