According to the National Center for Health Statistics, over 1.5 billion suffer from chronic pain around the world; only 23% of patients with chronic pain find opioids effective; and chronic pain is the #1 cause of long-term disability in the U.S.  In addition, the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health states over 90% of primary care visits are attributed to chronic stress. The American Psychological Association further explains chronic stress can contribute to long-term problems for heart and blood vessels.  The increased blood pressure can take a toll on the body increasing the risk of hypertension, heart attack, or stroke.  They also claim more than 75% of adults report physical or emotional symptoms of stress, such as headaches, feeling tired, or changes in sleeping habits. 

Fortunately, acupuncture is useful in managing disease symptoms by reintroducing a balanced flow of Qi.  Based on the theory of harmonious flowing qi being the basis of good health, acupuncture focuses on restoring qi by manipulation of the complementary and opposing elements of yin and yang. More specifically, acupuncture is thought to stimulate inhibitory nerve fibers for a short period, thus reducing transmission of the pain signal to the brain. In addition, recent research has found that traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture therapy has a direct effect on the mu-opioid receptor binding availability in the central nervous system. Further still, research in animals has found acupuncture can modulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, making it an efficacious treatment for anxiety, depression, and addiction. Finally, acupuncture indirectly modulates the autonomic nervous system, affecting respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, circulation, and immune function.

Thus far, evidence supports the use of acupuncture in postoperative nausea and vomiting, postoperative dental pain, chronic conditions such as low back pain, as well as psychologic conditions such as addiction. Because of its good analgesic effects and no side effects, acupuncture has become widely accepted all over the world. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is recommended for the treatment of 77 diseases.  And 16 of these diseases are related to inflammatory pain. As more people in Western countries are diagnosed with chronic disease and poorly treated with modern medical therapies, many are turning to acupuncture and other forms of alternative treatments. As a result, acupuncture has gained popularity in the United States and become integral to everyday medical practice.