Restore your energy balance with acupuncture
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What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), practiced for over 3,000 years. It is based on the fundamental concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"), the vital energy that flows through the human body along a network of channels called meridians. According to classical theory, there are 12 main meridians and 8 extraordinary meridians, along which 361 acupuncture points are officially listed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Each of these points has specific therapeutic properties.
The central principle of acupuncture is that disease results from an imbalance or blockage in Qi circulation. The acupuncturist inserts fine sterile needles at precise points to restore energy flow and re-establish harmony between Yin and Yang, the two complementary forces that govern all vital phenomena. This holistic approach considers the patient as a whole: body, mind, and emotions are inseparable.
In France, acupuncture was recognized by the National Academy of Medicine as early as 1950, making it one of the first complementary medicines to gain official recognition. Internationally, the WHO recognizes acupuncture's effectiveness for over 28 conditions, including chronic pain, nausea, migraines, and anxiety disorders. Studies published in The Lancet and BMJ have confirmed its analgesic effects through the release of endorphins and modulation of nerve signals.
Acupuncture is not limited to needles: it also includes moxibustion (heat stimulation using mugwort), cupping, electroacupuncture, and auriculotherapy. This wealth of techniques enables personalized care, adapted to each patient and each condition.
How does an acupuncture session work?
An acupuncture session generally lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. It begins with a complete energy assessment: the acupuncturist asks about your symptoms, lifestyle, diet, sleep, and emotional state. They then perform an examination specific to Chinese medicine: taking radial pulses (6 different pulses at each wrist, corresponding to the 12 meridians), tongue observation (color, shape, coating), and examination of complexion and voice. This diagnosis identifies underlying energy imbalances.
The treatment itself involves inserting 5 to 20 fine needles (0.20 to 0.30 mm in diameter) at carefully selected points. The needles, sterile and single-use, are inserted to a depth of a few millimeters to a few centimeters depending on the location. The patient may feel a slight tingling or warmth, a sign that the Qi is being stimulated (a sensation called "De Qi"). The needles remain in place for 20 to 30 minutes.
Depending on needs, the acupuncturist may supplement treatment with associated techniques. Moxibustion involves heating acupuncture points with a glowing mugwort stick to tonify Qi. Cupping, applied to the back or painful areas, promotes blood circulation and unblocks stagnation. Electroacupuncture uses a low electric current between two needles to enhance stimulation, particularly effective for chronic pain.
At the end of the session, the acupuncturist provides lifestyle advice tailored to your energy assessment: diet following Chinese dietary principles, Qi Gong exercises, stress management. A care protocol is established: generally 3 to 6 close sessions for an acute condition, then spaced maintenance sessions for chronic disorders or seasonal prevention.
Pain, stress, functional disorders: the proven benefits of acupuncture
Acupuncture has been the subject of numerous rigorous clinical studies. In 2012, a meta-analysis published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, involving 17,922 patients, demonstrated that acupuncture is significantly more effective than placebo for treating chronic pain (lower back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, migraines). The WHO officially recognizes its effectiveness for over 28 conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, post-chemotherapy nausea, tension headaches, and chronic lower back pain.
In stress and anxiety management, acupuncture has shown promising results. Studies published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies showed a significant reduction in cortisol (stress hormone) levels after regular sessions. Patients report improved sleep quality, reduced irritability, and better concentration. Acupuncture acts on the autonomic nervous system, promoting the shift from sympathetic mode (stress) to parasympathetic mode (relaxation).
In gynecology, acupuncture is recognized for relieving menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), menopause symptoms (hot flashes, insomnia), and first-trimester nausea. In fertility, several assisted reproduction centers now integrate acupuncture into their protocols to improve IVF success rates.
Finally, acupuncture is increasingly used alongside conventional treatments: in oncology to manage chemotherapy side effects, in addiction medicine for smoking cessation, and in rheumatology for chronic joint pain. The mechanisms of action are now better understood: endorphin release, nerve transmission modulation, local microcirculation activation, and neuro-hormonal regulation.
What conditions can an acupuncturist treat?
Acupuncture is particularly indicated for chronic pain: lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica, shoulder pain (periarthritis), knee pain (osteoarthritis), migraines, and tension headaches. It is also effective for post-operative pain and neuropathic pain. Athletes use it to treat tendinitis, muscle contractures, and speed up recovery after exercise.
Functional digestive disorders are another major area of application: irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, chronic constipation, and nausea. In pulmonology, acupuncture helps patients with allergic asthma, chronic rhinitis, and recurrent sinusitis. Sleep disorders, anxiety, chronic stress, and mild depressive states respond well to acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture is suitable for all populations: pregnant women (nausea, lower back pain, birth preparation, breech baby turning), children (sleep disorders, bedwetting, ENT disorders), elderly people (joint pain, balance disorders). However, it is contraindicated in cases of severe coagulation disorders, high-dose anticoagulant use, infected skin lesions at puncture points, and medical emergencies requiring immediate hospital care.
In supportive oncology, acupuncture is recommended by health authorities for chemotherapy-induced nausea. It is also used in pain management centers for chronic pain resistant to conventional medication. Many maternity hospitals now include acupuncture in their perinatal care offerings.
Acupuncture training and regulation in France
In France, acupuncture practice is strictly regulated by the Public Health Code (article L.4161-1). Only doctors, dentists, and midwives (within their scope of practice) are authorized to practice acupuncture. An acupuncture physician must hold an Inter-University Diploma (DIU) in acupuncture, awarded after 2 to 3 years of complementary training at a medical faculty. The former university Capacity in acupuncture is still recognized for doctors who obtained it.
The practice of acupuncture by a non-physician constitutes illegal practice of medicine, punishable by 2 years of imprisonment and 30,000 euros fine. Nevertheless, non-medical practitioners exist in France operating in a legal gray area, identifying as energy practitioners or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. Their status is not regulated by law, which raises patient safety concerns.
To verify an acupuncturist's qualifications: a medical acupuncturist has an RPPS number (Shared Directory of Health Professionals) and is registered with the Order of Physicians. The main professional federations are the AFA (French Acupuncture Association), FAFORMEC, and the National Union of French Acupuncture Physicians. On PratiConnect, each practitioner is verified: diploma, professional registration, and professional insurance are checked before the profile goes live.
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