What Is Acupuncture and How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that uses thin needles inserted into specific body points. From the perspective of Western medicine, the needles stimulate nerve endings, muscles and connective tissue, causing a local and systemic response — the release of endorphins (natural pain-relieving substances), improved blood circulation and reduced inflammation.
📊 Traditional Acupuncture vs Dry Needling
| Property | Traditional Acupuncture | Dry Needling |
|---|---|---|
| Rationale | Traditional Chinese medicine, meridians | Western medicine, anatomy, neurophysiology |
| Needle targets | Acupuncture points in meridians | Trigger points in muscles (myofascial trigger points) |
| Needle depth | Usually shallow (superficial) | Deeper — reaching specific muscle knots |
| Treatment duration | 20-40 min. (needles left in place) | Short (needles inserted and withdrawn, <1 min.) |
| Best for | Chronic pain, general relaxation, sleep problems | Acute muscle spasm, sports injuries, trigger points |
| Priority for athletes | More often used in the recovery phase | More often used to address acute problems |
🎯 What Sports Problems Does Acupuncture Treat?
🦵 Muscle Strains
Needle therapy can reduce muscle spasms and accelerate healing. Especially effective for strains of calf, thigh and back muscles.
💪 Chronic Pain
Tendinitis (golfer's elbow, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis) responds well to acupuncture, especially when combined with other methods.
🔙 Back Pain
One of the most researched areas of acupuncture. Clinical It is believed that acupuncture significantly reduces chronic lower back pain.
🏃 Shin Splints
Dry needling can relax tense calf muscles, reducing pressure on the tibia.
🔬 What Does Science Say?
- 2018 meta-analysis (JAMA): Acupuncture significantly more effective than placebo and usual care in treating chronic pain (back, neck, knee joint). The effect persisted after 12 months.
- Dry needling studies: Dry needling effectively reduces muscle tension and pain, especially in myofascial pain syndrome. The effect is felt immediately after the procedure.
- Studies in athletes: 2020 There is data that acupuncture after intense training reduced creatine kinase (CK) level — this indicates faster muscle recovery.
⚠️ Risks and Contraindications
Acupuncture performed by a qualified specialist is very safe. Main risk:
- Temporary pain: Mild pain or bruising at the needle insertion site — the most common side effect, resolves within 1-2 days.
- Fatigue after the procedure: Some people feel fatigue or drowsiness after acupuncture — this is a normal nervous system reaction.
- Contraindications: Blood clotting disorders, use of anticoagulants, pregnancy (certain points), severe heart disease, active infections at the insertion site.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acupuncture Painful?
Needles are very thin (0.16-0.25 mm in diameter — thinner than needles for blood drawing). Most people feel only a slight prick or nothing. Dry needling may cause a brief muscle twitch ("twitch response") — this is a normal and desired response.
How Many Procedures Are Needed?
For acute problems — 3-6 procedures, 1-2 times per week. For chronic problems — 6-12 procedures, 1-2 times per week, later maintenance procedures every 2-4 weeks.
Is Acupuncture Legal and Recognized in Medicine?
Yes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the effectiveness of acupuncture for more than 30 conditions. In Lithuania, acupuncture is regulated by the Ministry of Health; it is a licensed area of medical practice.