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Acupuncture is an alternative medical method used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Unfortunately, "traditional" often means outdated. This is also the case here. The practice is frequently employed by pseudomedical practitioners to treat pain and other ailments, based on the assumption that energy flows through the body and concentrates at specific points known as acupuncture points. This is, of course, nonsense.

Why It’s Nonsense

Acupuncturists claim that the needles inserted into the acupuncture points stimulate energy in the body and can release blockages. This is supposed to enable the body to heal itself and restore balance. However, the assumption that energy flows through the body and concentrates at specific points is not scientifically proven. There is no evidence that such energy exists or that it concentrates at specific points in the body. Therefore, there is no scientific evidence that acupuncture points even exist or that there are blockages in the body that could be resolved by inserting needles.

Placebo Effect

Like all this esoteric nonsense, the effectiveness of acupuncture—if it exists—is most likely based on a placebo effect. A placebo effect occurs when a person experiences an improvement in their condition despite receiving an ineffective treatment. It is problematic when people prefer pseudomedical treatments like acupuncture over proper medicine. The placebo effect can only provide temporary relief, not heal serious health problems or diseases. Such a decision can lead to delays or neglect of effective treatments, which can have serious health consequences. Medical decisions must be based on scientific evidence, not pseudoscientific practices.

Risks of acupuncture

Possible complications include infections from unsterile needles and the risk that needles can penetrate organs or tissues, causing injuries or bleeding. There have also been cases of pneumothorax (lung collapse) caused by needle punctures in the lung. Although such complications are rare, it is still unwise to take the risk of a treatment whose benefits are unproven.

Closing Words

Just like chakras, spiritual healing, and astral bodies, acupuncture is nothing more than a pseudoscientific practice based on false assumptions and lacking scientific evidence for its effectiveness. Acupuncture is not an alternative to evidence-based medicine. Instead of relying on such treatments, it is crucial for patients to seek high-quality medical care based on scientific knowledge and clinical studies.