Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that involves inserting very fine needles at specific points of the body to treat various conditions. Far from being a mystical practice, modern medical acupuncture is backed by a growing body of scientific evidence and is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as an effective treatment for multiple conditions.
At Clínica Eupnea in Palamós, acupuncture is practised by qualified healthcare professionals within a safe clinical setting and always as a complement to conventional medicine.
In this article
Key takeaways
- The WHO recognises acupuncture as effective treatment for over 30 conditions
- Especially useful for chronic pain: low back pain, neck pain, migraines and osteoarthritis
- May help reduce anxiety, insomnia and the effects of stress
- Needles are very fine (0.25 mm) — most patients barely notice them
- Safe when practised by a qualified professional in a clinical setting
- Complementary to, not a substitute for, conventional medicine
Acupuncture and chronic pain
Chronic pain is the area where acupuncture has the strongest scientific evidence. Multiple clinical trials and meta-analyses have confirmed its effectiveness for:
- Chronic low back pain: lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Acupuncture can significantly reduce pain and improve function
- Neck pain: associated with poor posture, stress or cervical osteoarthritis
- Migraine and tension-type headache: studies show acupuncture reduces the frequency and intensity of migraines, with results comparable to preventive medication
- Osteoarthritis: particularly of the knee, helping to reduce pain and joint stiffness
- Fibromyalgia: may improve diffuse pain, fatigue and sleep quality
Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system to release endorphins (the body's natural painkillers), modulating pain transmission and reducing local inflammation.
Emotional well-being and acupuncture
Beyond pain, acupuncture has shown benefits for emotional health:
- Anxiety: acupuncture can activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the relaxation response), reducing cortisol levels and promoting a sense of calm
- Insomnia: studies show improvements in sleep quality, especially when insomnia is linked to anxiety or stress
- Stress: regular sessions may help manage chronic stress and its effects on the body
- Nausea: acupuncture at the P6 point (wrist) has robust evidence for treating post-operative nausea and chemotherapy-related nausea
Do the needles hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine (0.20–0.30 mm in diameter — much finer than injection needles). Most patients describe the insertion as a slight tingle or mild pressure. Once in place, it is common to feel a sensation of deep relaxation. Many patients actually doze off during the session.
What does an acupuncture session involve?
A session at Clínica Eupnea usually follows these steps:
- Initial assessment: the therapist evaluates your reason for consultation, medical history and general condition
- Point selection: the most appropriate acupuncture points are chosen based on the diagnosis
- Needle insertion: 8 to 20 fine needles are inserted at the selected points
- Rest: the needles remain in place for 20–30 minutes while the patient relaxes
- Removal: the needles are removed and the patient can carry on with their day as normal
The number of sessions varies by condition: 3–5 sessions may suffice for acute pain; chronic pain may require 8–12 sessions with periodic maintenance.
Current scientific evidence
Acupuncture has a growing evidence base. Key institutions that recognise it include:
- WHO: lists over 30 conditions for which acupuncture has proven efficacy
- NICE (UK): recommends acupuncture for chronic tension-type headache and migraine
- Cochrane: systematic reviews confirm benefits for chronic pain and migraine
Frequently asked questions
This depends on the condition being treated. For acute problems (torticollis, acute sciatica), 3–5 sessions may suffice. For chronic conditions (chronic low back pain, frequent migraines, anxiety), an initial course of 8–12 weekly sessions is usually recommended, followed by more spaced-out maintenance sessions.
Acupuncture practised by qualified professionals is very safe. Side effects are rare and mild: an occasional small bruise at the insertion point, slight momentary dizziness in sensitive individuals, or drowsiness after the session. These effects are temporary and not a cause for concern.
Yes — in fact, acupuncture is conceived as a complementary treatment. It is perfectly compatible with medication and other conventional therapies. In many cases, it may help reduce the need for painkillers. Always inform your acupuncturist of all the treatments you are receiving.
Acupuncture is safe for most people, including pregnant women (with precautions at certain points) and children. It is contraindicated in areas with skin infections or open wounds, and caution is required for patients with clotting disorders or those taking anticoagulants. The therapist will always assess your individual situation.
Interested in medical acupuncture?
The acupuncture service at Clínica Eupnea offers safe, personalised treatments.
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