Why acupuncture is a global phenomenon

Hang around

Acupuncture has been practiced in one form or another for at least 2,000 years. This is just one tool in the traditional Chinese medicine toolkit, which teaches that a balanced qi (pronounced “chee”), or life energy, is the path to health. To push the body in the right direction, acupuncturists place thin needles of various lengths along some of the hundreds of acupuncture points that run between your head and your toes.

Nowadays, acupuncture is a global phenomenon, with millions of fans around the world. But it is still a controversial practice in the West, where many label it a pseudoscience. That hasn’t stopped some doctors from recommending a qi tune-up in collaboration with more mainstream medical treatment-or some insurance companies of compensation for the practice. Plus, patients love it.

Together, experts say the acupuncture market is poised for rapid growth. Take this as your cue to get pricked.

By the numbers

$3.5 billion: How much Americans spend on acupuncture each year

1.5%: Percentage of Americans who have tried acupuncture to date

$141 billion: Projected global revenue for acupuncture in 2023

$112: Median price of an initial acupuncture visit in the US

$308 million: Value of the Acupuncture Needles Market in the US

29%: Percentage of Americans who have tried any form of complementary or alternative medicine along with conventional treatment

183: Countries, out of 195, where acupuncture is offered

38,000: Licensed Acupuncturists in the USA

Graph

The blood(less) meridian

In traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, qi is believed to move along 12 or so meridians, as depicted here. Together, those meridians flow through an estimated 2,000 acupuncture points. Practitioners talk to patients about their pain, indigestion, allergies and other problems – and then target the problem areas by inserting fine needles into corresponding acupuncture points. In a typical appointment, an acupuncturist will place 5 to 20 needles and leave them in for 15 or more minutes.

The million dollar question

Does acupuncture really work?

Many people credit acupuncture with helping them relieve stress, manage pain, improve their mood, and even overload their fertility. But biomedical research was mixed. Acupuncture rarely causes harm, and in some studies it appears to improve patients’ quality of life. However, in many trials it certainly looks more like a sham treatment.

This may mean that acupuncture is one way to try the power of the placebo effect. While placebos have historically been derided as a kind of superficial magic, more recent research suggest it is actually a powerful psychological tool. When people believe that something can significantly improve their health, it just might.

There is always room for more research, but insurance companies seem to be convinced enough. The majority of patients pay up front and out of pocket for acupuncture appointments, but some companies now reimburse policyholders later. Medicare Part B, one of the most notoriously hard-to-please insurers, covers up to 12 acupuncture visits for chronic low back pain, and up to eight more treatments if patients show significant improvements from the treatment.

Quotable

“We do not treat diseases. We treat patterns and patients… We try to balance the body to create an environment that is not hospitable to your health issues.”—Galina Roofener, herbalist

Pop quiz

How many acupuncture needles can you fit into the tip of a hypodermic needle?

A. 20

B. 10

C. 40

D. 5

Worried that your answer will leave a mark? Scroll down to find out.

Fun fact!

Acupuncture is a treatment of choice even in the NFL. In 2022, New York Giants quarterback Saquon Barkley said it was one of his favorite methods of recovery.

Emoji list

After acupuncture and beyond

Traditional Chinese medicine involves more than just needles. Here are other common strategies used to balance qi:

☕️ Cupping: Practitioners used glass or silicone cups to create suction on tissues along the same meridians as acupuncture. The goal is to draw blood to the surface, and promote healing.

🪨 Gua sha: By pulling a smooth-edged piece of jade or rose quartz over the face, people aim to release tension in their neck and face muscles and promote lymphatic drainage.

🌿 Herbs: Ginseng, codonopsis root, and schisandra berries are just a few of the very popular supplements used in TCM. Each herb has a specific purpose, but proponents collectively claim that they can treat everything from aches and pains to cardiovascular problems.

💆‍♀️ The next: Unlike other forms of bodywork, which focus exclusively on musculoskeletal issues, traditional Chinese massage is also used to treat internal organs—and to improve the body’s life forces.

🤸‍♀️ Qigong: Consisting of eight basic movements, known as the “Pieces of the Brocade,” qigong is a movement practice intended to improve mobility and improve the breath.

Pressure points

TCM training

Becoming an acupuncturist is not always easy. Take New York State: First, prospective practitioners must complete 60 credits of general education. Then they need a program in acupuncture at one of the 50 or so accredited colleges—typically a three-year commitment. And before sitting for their licensing exam, professionals must complete at least 650 supervised clinical hours.

Fortunately, acupuncture can be a lucrative career, with an average annual wage of more than $82,000. Plus, there are always new ways for a TCM expert to expand their business—as long as you’re committed to continuing education. To provide acupuncture for petsacupuncturists are encouraged to follow an additional 140 hours certification.

Look at this!

Qi-IY

Want to apply the principles of acupuncture at home? This video, from the Cleveland Clinic, guides you through acupressure techniques that you can try on yourself whenever you feel stressed. No needle needed.

Take it from me 🐰 hole!

Despite limited evidence, acupuncture is popular in some detox programs in the US. the reason, writes Olga Khazan in The Atlantic, is the long history of medical racism—and the specific activism of the Black Panther movement. Inspired by the “barefoot doctors” of Maoist China—”part-time farmers, part-time community health workers”—Panthers, including Tupac Shakur’s stepfather, preached the benefits of these and other alternative medical practices. The effects of their activism are still felt today.

Opinion poll

Have you tried acupuncture?

• No
• Yes
• I am now scheduling my first appointment

We love poking around in our readers’ brains—let us know!

💬 Let’s talk!

In last week’s poll about raves, 52% some of you said you’d see us at the next one—party on! 37% of you said you are more interested in sleep, whereas 11% is rabidly curious.

🐤 X this!

🤔 What did you think of today’s email?

💡 What should we obsess over next?

Today’s email was written by Eleanor Cummins (who has a monthly acupuncture subscription), edited and produced by Morgan Haefner (struggled with ayurveda).

The correct answer to the pop quiz is A., 20.