Acupuncture an Overview:
What the Science Says
At Point The Way Acupuncture, we honour the ancient traditions of Chinese medicine while staying connected to current scientific research. Over the last 20 years, research into acupuncture has grown at twice the rate of conventional medicine, with over 13,000 studies conducted in more than 60 countries.
From pain relief and mental health to digestive and hormonal support, acupuncture is gaining international recognition as a safe, evidence-based complementary therapy. But what does the research actually show?
Here’s a brief overview of the growing scientific support for acupuncture.
What Does the Evidence Show?
The Acupuncture Evidence Project (2017) reviewed 122 conditions across 14 clinical categories. They found:
Some level of evidence for 117 conditions
Moderate to strong evidence for many, including:
Low back pain
Headaches (migraine and tension)
Knee osteoarthritis
Allergic rhinitis
Post-operative and cancer-related nausea
Menopausal symptoms
Anxiety and insomnia
Potential positive effects in dozens more (e.g. neck pain, plantar fasciitis, stroke rehab, asthma)
The researchers concluded:
“It is no longer possible to say that the effectiveness of acupuncture can be attributed to placebo alone.”
— Stephen Janz, Acupuncture Evidence Project
How Acupuncture Works (According to Science)
Acupuncture affects multiple systems in the body, including:
Nervous system regulation (calming overactive stress responses)
Pain modulation via endorphins and opioid-like compounds
Inflammation reduction through biochemical signaling
Hormonal balance through the HPA axis
Purinergic signaling, acupuncture uniquely stimulates adenosine and ATP pathways, which regulate healing, immunity, and nervous system health
These effects explain why acupuncture may help across such a wide range of health concerns.
How It Compares to Other Treatments
In “head-to-head” comparisons using network meta-analyses, acupuncture consistently ranks among the most effective treatments, sometimes outperforming common interventions like:
NSAIDs (e.g. for osteoarthritis)
Steroid injections (e.g. for shoulder pain)
Antidepressants (e.g. for insomnia or anxiety)
Surgery (e.g. in some sciatica cases)
Unlike many pharmaceuticals, acupuncture also has a very low risk of side effects, especially when performed by a qualified practitioner.
Global Recognition & Guidelines
Acupuncture is no longer seen as “alternative.” A review of official guidelines from governments and medical groups around the world found:
2,189 positive recommendations for acupuncture
Across 204 health conditions
In guidelines from North America, Europe, and Australasia
These guidelines are based on rigorous review processes and demonstrate that acupuncture is being integrated into mainstream medical practice.
Safety Matters
When provided by a trained practitioner, acupuncture is considered very safe. In contrast:
Nearly half of conventional treatments lack clear supporting evidence
Medical error is now the 3rd leading cause of death in the U.S.
Overuse of medical services (where harm outweighs benefit) is widespread globally
In this context, starting with safe, well-supported options like acupuncture makes sense for many people.
A Modern Approach to an Ancient Practice
At Point The Way Acupuncture, we blend tradition with science. Whether you’re curious about acupuncture for stress, pain, hormonal changes, or general wellbeing, we’re here to support you with evidence-informed care.
Want to learn more or book your first session? We’d love to hear from you.
Acupuncture is considered a complementary therapy. This information is general and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Please consult your GP or specialist before beginning any new treatment.