Science behind acupuncture: latest knowledge and clinical studies

Science behind acupuncture: latest knowledge and clinical studies

acupuncture - a term that is no longer buzzing only in alternative medical circles. More and more people are looking for effective solutions for their symptoms and are open to the old Chinese method. But what is really behind the fine needles that are stabbed in the skin? Which mechanisms play a role? How do these treatment methods affect our body? In the past few years, research has not revealed interesting findings that beat the bridge between tradition and modern medicine. In this article we take a look at the basics of acupuncture, analyze current clinical studies and discuss how acupuncture can be sensibly integrated into today's therapeutic approaches. Be excited about exciting facts and underpinned opinions that may open up completely new perspectives!

Basics of acupuncture: mechanisms and modes of action

acupuncture is an old therapeutic technique from traditional Chinese medicine, which is based on the assumption that the balance of life energy, known as Qi, is crucial for health. This energy flows through meridians in the body. Disorders or blockages in this river can lead to diseases. By inserting needles at specific points, the acupuncture points, into the body, the balance is to be restored and the flow of the Qi is conveyed.

The mode of action of acupuncture is complex and is influenced by various mechanical and biochemical processes. One of the main assumptions is the stimulation of nerve endings. This activation can promote the release of neurotransmitters who have pain -relieving and healing effects. Research shows that acupuncture increases the concentration of endorphins and other neurochemical substances in the body, which contributes to pain relief and improvement in general well -being. Other mechanisms include:

• regulation of inflammatory processes
• influencing the immune system
• Improvement of blood circulation

In a variety of studies, it was documented that acupuncture has a positive effect on various diseases, including chronic pain, migraines, stress -related disorders and some gastrointestinal problems. A mechanistic approach shows that acupuncture can also activate intracellular signal paths that contribute to the healing and regeneration of tissue. Research in this area is continuous, and while some mechanisms are well discovered and documented, the complete scope of the effects remains the subject of intensive scientific discussion.

Another important aspect is the variation in acupuncture practice itself. Traditional approaches such as Chinese acupuncture differ from modern western methods that often have a more scientific basis. The choice of acupuncture points, the depth of the needle, the use of electrical stimulation or the moxibustion can vary depending on the underlying philosophy and individual patient needs, which makes it easier to adapt the treatment methods to the specific context.

Current clinical studies: Evidence -based results on the effectiveness of acupuncture

Numerous clinical studies have been carried out in recent years to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture in different medical areas. These studies vary in their methodology, target group and the evaluated health conditions, but offer a valuable database to assess acupuncture.

An important meta-analysis that was published in the magazine Pain in 2021 analyzed 29 randomized controlled studies with over 5,000 participants. The results showed that acupuncture significantly contributes to pain relief in chronic pain, including back and joint pain. In addition, it was found that patients who received acupuncture, compared to control groups that did not receive acupuncture, reported a significant improvement in general well -being.

Further examinations focused on the role of acupuncture in the treatment of migraines and tension headache. A Study in the Journal of Headache and Pain showed that acupuncture in patients with chronic headaches could reduce the frequency and intensity of the seizures by up to 50 %. These results support the hypothesis that acupuncture can be effective as an alternative or complementary form of therapy in pain treatment.

Table 1 shows a summary of selected studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture:

The examination of acupuncture in mental illnesses, especially depression, has also become more important. Studies show that acupuncture has significant positive effects on the symptoms of depression. A randomized study demonstrated that patients who regularly received acupuncture showed an improvement in the quality of life compared to control groups.

It is important to take the differences in the quality of the studies into account. In particular, the use of placebo checks and the blinding of subjects and treatment are crucial for the validity of the results. Despite the promising evidence, some scientists see a need for further research to understand the mechanisms through acupuncture, and to ensure the consistency of the results across various studies.

recommendations for the integration of acupuncture into modern treatment concepts

The integration of acupuncture into modern treatment concepts requires a systematic approach to ensure that the acceptance of medical specialists and patient safety. It is important that acupuncture is not isolated, but is used as a complementary therapy. To achieve this, the following measures should be considered:

• training and training: healthcare specialists should have access to comprehensive training programs on acupuncture in order to better understand the techniques, indications and scientific foundations.
• Interdisciplinary cooperation: A frame should be created that promotes the exchange between acupuncture and other health specialists in order to develop patient -oriented treatment plans.
• quality assurance: The implementation of standards and protocols to ensure the quality of acupuncture treatments is essential. This can be achieved through regular training and certifications.

Another central point is evidence based. The integration of acupuncture into clinical practice should be based on well -founded studies. Clinical guidelines can be created that regulate the use of acupuncture for various diseases.

Trust and transparency are also key factors. Patients must be informed about the potential and limits of acupuncture in order to be able to make informed decisions. This could be done, for example, through educational talks, information materials or workshops.

In addition, research plays a crucial role. Continuous studies and publications should not only illuminate the effectiveness, but also the security of acupuncture. This information is important to integrate acupuncture into general medical practice and to eliminate potential misunderstandings.

A well thought -out integration concept can increase the acceptance of acupuncture. It has been shown that a positive attitude of the treating doctors to complementary therapies increases the likelihood that they will be included in the treatment context.

Overall, the analysis of current research on acupuncture shows that this centuries -old process is increasingly supported by scientific knowledge. The mechanisms that are behind the effect of acupuncture are becoming increasingly clear through continuous studies and provide important information about their integration into modern medical treatment approaches. The evidence from clinical studies not only shows the effectiveness of acupuncture in a variety of diseases, but also indicates the need to consider traditional healing methods within a holistic medical framework. In view of these findings, it is crucial that both medical specialists and patients recognize and use the potential of acupuncture in combination with conventional therapies to ensure more comprehensive care. The next steps in research should concentrate on a deeper examination of the long -term effects and the optimization of the clinical application guidelines in order to exploit the full benefit of this form of therapy.

sources and further literature

references

• Vogel, H., & von Ammon, K. (2017). Acupuncture: basics, methods and mechanisms of action. *German Ärzteblatt, 114*(25), A-1182.
• Schmidt, K., & Tönnis, B. (2018). Acupuncture in pain therapy: evidence and origin. *Pain analysis and therapy*, 14 (3), 122-129.

Studies

• Vickers, A. J., Vertosick, E. A., Lewith, G., et al. (2018). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of An Overview of Systematic Reviews. *British Medical Journal, 363*, K2739.
• Lee, J. H., Choi, T. Y., Lee, M. S., et al. (2013). Acupuncture for acute low back pain: a systematic review. *Clinical Journal of Pain, 29*(2), 172-178.
• L., L., Wang, H., Liu, Y., et al. (2020). Acupuncture for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. *BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 20*, 111.

further literature

• Huang, H., & Zhang, H. (2017). Acupuncture in modern medicine: philosophy and practice. *Springer Verlag*.
• Stahn, S., & Schneider, T. (2020). The role of acupuncture in integrative medicine. *Schattauer Verlag*.
• Häberle, S. (2019). Acupuncture: an interdisciplinary approach. *Elsevier Edition*.