Let’s face it: acupuncture has come a long way from being that “mysterious Asian thing” your neighbor swears by. Yet, despite its growing popularity and acceptance in mainstream medicine including major hospital systems, myths about acupuncture persist—often keeping people from experiencing its many benefits. Let’s set the record straight on five of the most common misconceptions I hear in my clinic.
1. Myth: Acupuncture Is Painful
This is the number one concern I hear from new patients. The reality? Acupuncture needles are nothing like the hypodermic needles used for shots or blood draws. In fact, you could fit about 40 acupuncture needles into the tip of a standard medical needle.1 Most people feel little to no discomfort—sometimes just a fleeting sensation, tingling, or a gentle heaviness. Many actually find the experience deeply relaxing, and it’s not uncommon for patients to doze off during treatment.2
2. Myth: Acupuncturists Use Hundreds of Needles Per Session
Hollywood loves to show patients looking like porcupines, but in a real acupuncture session, we don’t use 400 needles! A typical treatment involves anywhere from 4 to 12 needles, strategically placed based on your unique needs. The number is tailored to you—more is not better. Quality and precision, not quantity, make the difference.
3. Myth: There’s No Scientific Basis for Acupuncture
This myth is simply outdated. There are now more than 30,000 studies on acupuncture indexed in the NIH’s PubMed database, with robust evidence supporting its effectiveness for a wide range of conditions.3,4,5 Major medical centers—including the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and the Cleveland Clinic—incorporate acupuncture into their integrative care programs.6 Modern research shows acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, releases natural painkillers like endorphins, and helps regulate immune and hormonal function.5,6
4. Myth: Acupuncture Is Only for Pain
While pain relief is the most common reason people seek acupuncture, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Acupuncture is used to address everything from allergies, digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia, respiratory problems, allergies and migraines to fertility support and immune health.3,5,6 The World Health Organization and the NIH both recognize acupuncture as an effective therapy for dozens of medical conditions.
5. Myth: Acupuncture Is Just a Placebo
If acupuncture were “just a placebo,” we wouldn’t see measurable changes in brain activity, hormone levels, blood markers, or immune response after treatment.5 And here’s a fun fact: acupuncture works for animals too—dogs, horses, even zoo animals—none of whom are influenced by the power of suggestion.3,5In fact, acupuncture works BETTER on animals because they don’t have an emotional attachment to their health condition.
Bottom line: Acupuncture is a time-tested, evidence-based therapy that’s safe, gentle, and used for far more than just pain. If you’ve been hesitant because of these myths, maybe it’s time to experience the real thing for yourself.
—Bill Reddy, LAc, Dipl. Ac.
