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Traditional & natural medicine

Acupuncture

ฝังเข็ม

A practice from traditional Chinese medicine in which very thin, sterile needles are inserted at specific points on the body, most often to ease pain.

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Origin

China (traditional Chinese medicine)

History

Used in some form for at least 2,500 years; spread worldwide from the 1970s

A session

Needles usually stay in for a few minutes up to about 20 minutes

Licence in Thailand

Required

01

Where it comes from

Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine and has been used in some form for at least 2,500 years. It is part of a wider East Asian medical tradition that also includes herbal medicine, cupping and gua sha.

It gained worldwide popularity from the 1970s onwards. Today it is offered both by traditional practitioners and by some medical doctors, and it has been the subject of many clinical trials and more than 25 systematic reviews by the early 2000s.

02

The principle

In the traditional explanation, a vital energy called qi flows through the body along channels called meridians. Hundreds of acupuncture points lie along 14 main meridians, and stimulating them with needles is meant to restore a healthy flow of qi.

Modern research does not confirm the existence of qi or meridians. Scientists are instead studying effects on the nervous system: needling appears to trigger the body's own opioid (pain-relief) chemistry and to change activity in certain brain areas. How acupuncture works is still not fully understood, and part of its effect may come from expectation and the care itself.

What people come for

  • Chronic back or neck pain
  • Knee or other osteoarthritis pain
  • Fewer migraine or tension-type headaches
  • Nausea, for example after surgery or chemotherapy
  • Relaxation and a sense of calm after a session
03

How it works on the body

Fine needles are placed in the skin and muscle at chosen points, sometimes far from the area that hurts.

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04

A session, step by step

  1. 01

    First consultation

    The practitioner discusses your health and examines you to decide which points to use.

  2. 02

    Getting comfortable

    You lie or sit on a treatment table; the skin over the chosen points is cleaned.

  3. 03

    Needle insertion

    Sterile, single-use needles go in at depths from a few millimetres to a few centimetres. You may feel a small prick, then a dull ache or tingling.

  4. 04

    Resting with the needles

    The needles stay in for a few minutes up to about 20 minutes; they may be turned gently or connected to a mild electric current (electroacupuncture).

  5. 05

    Removal and rest

    The needles are removed and thrown away. Rest 5–10 minutes before driving, since many people feel relaxed afterwards.

  6. 06

    Course of treatment

    Sessions are often weekly; a common suggestion is to try about five before judging whether it helps you.

Precautions

  • If you take blood-thinning medicine or have a bleeding disorder, tell the practitioner and ask your doctor first.
  • Avoid needling on areas with a skin infection or skin condition.
  • If you are pregnant, have a pacemaker (relevant for electroacupuncture) or a serious health condition, check with your doctor first.
  • Insist on sterile, single-use needles and a trained practitioner: poorly performed acupuncture has caused infections, punctured lungs and other organs, and nerve injury.
  • Do not use acupuncture to postpone seeing a doctor about a health problem, and keep taking your prescribed medication.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

05

In Thailand

In Thailand, acupuncture is part of Chinese medicine, which is a regulated healing art under the Practice of the Art of Healing Act (No. 4) B.E. 2556 (2013). Chinese medicine practitioners must pass a registration exam and hold a licence overseen by the Professional Committee on Traditional Chinese Medicine, and nine Thai universities offer bachelor's degrees in the field. Acupuncture is available in private clinics, Chinese medicine hospitals and some public hospitals. Before your first session, ask to see the practitioner's licence and check that needles are single-use.

Read the full guide →

Frequently asked questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

The needles are very thin. Most people feel a small prick, then a dull ache, heaviness or tingling, which is usually considered normal.

Is there good evidence that it works?

For some pain conditions, such as chronic back and neck pain and knee osteoarthritis, reviews show a modest benefit over sham treatment. For many other conditions, evidence is weak or shows no difference from sham.

Is acupuncture safe?

Serious problems are uncommon when a trained practitioner uses sterile, single-use needles.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies. Sessions are often weekly, and practitioners commonly suggest about five before deciding whether it is helping.

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Sources

  1. NCCIH (US National Institutes of Health) – Acupuncture: What You Need To Know
  2. Kaptchuk TJ. Acupuncture: theory, efficacy, and practice. Annals of Internal Medicine, 2002 (PMID 11874310)
  3. Cleveland Clinic – Acupuncture
  4. NHS (UK) – Acupuncture
  5. Sutthachaianan T. et al. Study of the Situation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctors in the Public Health System of Thailand. Journal of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM), 2023
  6. NCCIH – Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know