Exploring acupuncture: dispelling common misconceptions

Most people have heard of acupuncture – ‘the thing with needles’. Yes! But it is so much more. It is now thankfully gaining more mainstream attention for its potential to support various health concerns and conditions, from chronic pain to stress relief. However, despite its growing popularity, there are common misconceptions which can discourage people from considering this wonderful and powerful treatment as an option. If you are curious about what acupuncture can help with, this article should help clear up a few of the assumptions that often get in the way. So, I’m here to clear up some of the most common ones.

Myth #1: Acupuncture is Painful

This is one of the most common concerns about acupuncture, that it must be painful since it involves needles. Many of us have grown up associating needles with medical procedures and unpleasant experiences. However, acupuncture needles are incredibly thin - much finer than those used for blood tests or injections, as no liquid needs to pass through them.

Most people experience little to no pain during acupuncture treatments. At worst, you might feel a slight pinch or you may feel sensations such as a dull ache or tingling when the needle is inserted - this is completly normal. I always explain the process during the insertion of needles and ask for feedback to make sure you are at ease. Many people find acupuncture deeply relaxing and even fall asleep during sessions, enjoying a little "acu nap"!

Myth #2: Acupuncture is Just a Placebo

However, research has consistently shown that acupuncture produces real physiological effects - including the release of endorphins and changes in brain activity linked to pain and mood regulation. It’s not simply ‘in your head.’ For conditions like migraines and tension headaches, the evidence is well-established, showing short-term relief. For other areas such as anxiety, menopause symptoms, or fatigue research is more limited but often points in a positive direction, and I’m always happy to talk through what the current evidence says for your particular situation.

Myth #3: Acupuncture is Only for Pain Relief

While acupuncture is widely known for its ability to treat pain, it can support so much more including a variety of physical and mental health issues. Acupuncture is used for far more than pain - people come to me for digestive concerns, sleep, stress, anxiety and fertility support, among other things. Evidence varies across these areas, and I always try to be upfront about what’s well-researched versus what’s more exploratory. I have also seen many positive results in my own clinic. If you’d like to dig into the details, the British Acupuncture Council and Evidence Based Acupuncture are great places to explore the research further. You also don’t have to have ‘something wrong’ to have acupuncture - many clients use it as a preventative medicine which is its traditional use and come for seasonal boosts, wellbeing and relaxation.

Myth #4: Acupuncture Doesn’t Work Because It’s Not Scientific

This misconception likely stems from the fact that acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese concepts like "Qi" (life energy) and "meridians," which may understandably sound quite mystical to those unfamiliar with Eastern medicine. However, modern science is increasingly exploring how acupuncture might work. MRI studies have shown it can influence areas of the brain associated with pain processing and emotional regulation, and research into other effects - including on the immune system - is ongoing. We don’t yet have the full picture of how acupuncture works, but that’s true of plenty of accepted treatments too. What we do have is thousands of years of clinical use alongside a growing, if still evolving, body of modern research.

Myth #5: Acupuncture is Dangerous

When performed by a licensed and trained practitioner, acupuncture is incredibly safe. The needles are sterile, disposable, and designed for single use to eliminate the risk of infection. The most common side effects are mild, such as slight bruising or soreness at the needle site, which usually fades quickly. Make sure your acupuncturist is a member of the British Acupuncture Council.

There are probably many more myths around acupuncture and I am always up for chatting about them – email me or ask me in clinic when you come and try it out. If you feel ready to experience it for yourself, you are welcome to book an acupuncture appointment.