Why acupuncture attracts growing numbers of people for its pain relief and other effects

This series is based on our reporting on TCM: its history, treatments and growing acceptance around the world. This is the fifth instalment. A slip of the foot before the start of the 2016 Standard Chartered marathon brought me to a traditional Chinese medical practitioner’s clinic days later. About 7km (4.3 miles) into the 42km race, I realised that I had pulled a muscle in my buttocks. When the pain began to flare, so did my resolve to finish. When I got home, clenching my finisher’s medal, I could barely walk. I had agreed to see Dr Ting Hiu Tung for relief from the deep aching pain – but could hardly believe that I was lying face down in the doctor’s clinic in North Point, on Hong Kong Island, with a handful of needles planted in my backside. They were sending electrical impulses that helped reduce the inflammation, promote blood flow and alleviate the pain. After that session, and a few more, I understood why acupuncture has a reputation for pain relief, and why people have been willingly subjecting themselves to its precisely placed jabs for thousands of years. Acupuncture’s many uses Acupuncture is the most widely recognised form of non-herbal TCM treatment. According to TCM qi, our life energy, is believed to flow through meridians, or pathways, in the body. These meridians and energy flows can be accessed through more than 360 acupuncture points – or acupoints. Inserting fine, sterile needles into them – or applying pressure on them – in the right combinations will bring the energy flow back into balance and relieve pain, symptoms and illness. Two young practitioners with a passion for sharing their knowledge of TCM describe their reasons for studying the age-old medical system, and common ways to use acupuncture and other non-herbal treatments. Growing up in Hong Kong, Elizabeth Yau saw the ways natural remedies helped her family manage and prevent illnesses, and developed an appreciation for TCM’s holistic approach to health. She studied Chinese medicine at the University of Hong Kong, has a Master of Science in Sport & Exercise Nutrition, and certification in personal training. The qualifications allow her to combine the ancient wisdom of TCM with insights from Western medical principles, sports and nutrition. Acupuncture offers highly effective pain relief in muscles, joints and nerves, and is good for sports injuries, Yau says. It works by stimulating the body’s natural painkillers, reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation. It targets the cause of imbalance, making it effective for a range of conditions, she says. By addressing underlying issues it helps with digestive problems, fertility, anxiety, insomnia and hormonal health. Having it with herbal remedies can enhance its function – but some patients do not like the often bitter taste or prefer not to take medicine of any kind. Yau reassures those who are fearful of their skin being pierced by needles – especially on the face. A needle is thinner than a strand of hair, “so it’s not super painful”, she tells them. For those new to acupuncture, she tries inserting just one needle after first massaging the acupoint. If they cannot take it, she may try a smaller needle, or use another method such as acupressure. Facial acupuncture is done for three key reasons, including for beauty. The needles can boost blood circulation, help reduce wrinkles, clear up acne, help scars fade and improve skin texture, Yau says. There are many acupoints on the face which may be targeted to treat conditions such as a headache or sinus blockage, she adds. It may also be done to alleviate facial paralysis, such as in the case of Bell’s palsy. Many acupuncture studies and clinical trials have shown positive results that back these uses. The conditions above are among more than 100 that the World Health Organization says acupuncture may be recommended for. Others include lower back pain, infertility, insomnia, hay fever and premenstrual syndrome. Sharing TCM’s benefits Chee Hee Seng, aged 22, graduated in October 2024 with honours and distinction from Xiamen University Malaysia’s school of traditional Chinese medicine. He had wanted to learn ways to take care of himself and his family after losing two of his grandparents to illness. Now working as a practitioner in his home country, he is spreading word of the value of TCM – and being a good student – through social media. His original Instagram account, focused on study, mindsets and personal growth, has more than 774,000 followers; a second, focused on TCM, has more than 366,000. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chee Hee | Chinese Medicine Practitioner🇲🇾 (@tcmbycheehee) Seng was exposed to Chinese medicine from a young age, and admits that he had always thought it was “a very mysterious and non-scientific treatment that doesn’t work”. His mind changed while attending a Buddhist school, Developing Virtue Secondary School, in the US state of California for six years. When he hurt his ankle playing basketball, he would see a Chinese acupuncturist, whose treatment quickened his recovery, he says. Before, his sprains usually took two weeks to heal, but after having acupuncture it took only three days to fully recover. Seng’s social media posts are having an impact if the comments are anything to go by: friends, colleagues and strangers are willing to try his “hacks” – many of them using acupressure, based on the same acupoints you would use in acupuncture – which they can safely do for themselves or a loved one. One, describing how to fix a stuffy nose, drew more than 855,000 likes. Another, on how to overcome constipation, had more than 140,000 likes. They are simple to understand and, like many of his posts, have links to journal articles that describe the research that show the treatment works. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chee Hee | Chinese Medicine Practitioner🇲🇾 (@tcmbycheehee) Seng also uses facial acupuncture, particularly for those like his sister who have acne scarring. His humorous post, showing how he helped her, has had more than 255,000 likes – and many questions. “Isn’t it painful?” and “Will you adopt me?” are common. Both Yau and Seng describe many other ways that acupuncture and other non-herbal treatments can improve your health, even if you are not “sick”. Getting better sleep and relieving stress are two of them. People who are afraid of needles may find other TCM treatments beneficial. They include: Gua sha – gentle scraping with a smooth-edged tool to boost circulation, reduce muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders and back, and reduce swelling. It is also used for respiratory issues, such as colds or sinus congestion, and helps to alleviate stress and tension. Facial gua sha, a gentler variation, enhances skin glow and reduces puffiness. Moxibustion – burning moxa (mugwort) near specific acupoints to help warm the body, dispel “cold” energy and promote blood flow. It can relieve pain, improve digestion, and support fertility and menstrual health. It can also address cold-related conditions, such as arthritis or digestive discomfort, and is even used to turn breech babies during pregnancy. Cupping – uses suction through cups on the body to improve circulation, release tension and detoxify the body. It can relieve muscle and joint pain, and respiratory problems such as colds and asthma. It draws stagnant blood to the surface and improves oxygen flow to tissues. A relaxing treatment, it may also relieve stress and boost immunity. Tui na – a kind of acupressure that uses pushing, pulling, lifting and kneading to stimulate acupoints, muscles and nerves. It may help relieve chronic pain, headache, musculoskeletal conditions and stress-related disorders such as insomnia. Like what you read? Follow SCMP Lifestyle on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter here.

Why acupuncture attracts growing numbers of people for its pain relief and other effects

Acupuncture is a popular TCM treatment. Two young practitioners describe the ways they use it and the benefits it provides