The promise is compelling: alleviate pain, reduce nausea, and ease stress by targeting specific points on the body.
This concept, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), revolves around acupoints - distinct locations believed to connect with internal physiological pathways influencing health.
But for the modern, evidence-minded individual, the central question remains: Does stimulating these acupoints actually work?
The Theory vs. The Science of Acupoints
The Traditional Theory
TCM posits that stimulating acupoints unblocks the flow of vital energy ("Qi") along meridians, restoring balance.
The Scientific Inquiry
Modern science focuses on measurable neurophysiological effects. Studies suggest activating acupoints signals the brain to release natural painkillers and modulate nervous system activity.
Brain imaging shows stimulation of specific acupoints activates regions linked to pain processing and relaxation, offering a biological basis for observed effects [1].
Where the Evidence for Acupoint Stimulation is Strongest
1. Nausea and Vomiting
Stimulating the P6 acupoint (on the inner wrist) is one of the best-documented applications. High-quality studies confirm its efficacy in reducing post-operative and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
The National Cancer Institute recognizes this application, noting clinical trial support for acupuncture's role in relieving these symptoms [3].
2. Chronic Pain
The most extensive research involves pain management. Stimulation of specific acupoints is effective for chronic back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic headaches.
Effects were clinically relevant and persisted over time, indicating benefits beyond a simple placebo effect [2].
3. Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
Emerging evidence suggests acupoint stimulation can relieve neuropathic pain, numbness, and tingling caused by chemotherapy drugs.
A randomized pilot trial found acupuncture significantly improved symptoms and quality of life in breast cancer survivors with moderate CIPN [5].
4. Other Symptoms
Research also suggests benefit for:
- Cancer-Related Fatigue and Leukopenia: Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) has shown promise
- Primary Dysmenorrhea: Some studies indicate acupuncture may be more effective than NSAIDs in reducing menstrual pain [4]
The Placebo Effect and the Challenge of Study Design
A significant challenge in studying acupoint stimulation is designing valid control groups. Many trials use "sham" stimulation (e.g., non-penetrating needles or stimulation at non-acupoints).
Stimulating non-acupoints or trigger points can still activate nerve fibers and produce pain relief through diffuse noxious inhibitory controls, potentially underestimating the true effect of real acupoint stimulation [4], [5].
While both real and sham stimulation often outperform no treatment, the large JAMA meta-analysis confirmed a statistically significant difference between true acupoint stimulation and sham, supporting a specific physiological effect tied to the location of the point [2].
Acknowledging Research Gaps and Limitations
Despite promising findings, the field faces important challenges:
- Trial Quality: Many existing studies suffer from methodological weaknesses. More high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed [5].
- Acupoint Specificity: Rigorous scientific proof of precise point selection remains an active area of research [4].
- Mechanistic Understanding: The full picture of how acupoint stimulation produces systemic effects is still being unraveled [5].
Why Individual Responses Vary So Much
Not everyone experiences the same benefit from acupoint stimulation.
This variability stems from several factors:
Physiological Differences
Individual differences in nervous system sensitivity, endorphin production, and immune function
Placebo and Contextual Effects
Expectation, belief, and the therapeutic relationship play a powerful role
Treatment Protocol
Method, intensity, duration, frequency, and precision of stimulation
Underlying Condition
Nature and severity of the condition being treated
The Verdict: Do Acupoints Work?
Yes—but with critical context.
- It works best for specific conditions: The strongest evidence is for nausea/vomiting, certain types of chronic pain, and managing side effects like CIPN.
- It is not a cure-all: There is no credible evidence it treats serious diseases like cancer or heart disease.
- Evidence is evolving: While robust for some uses, more high-quality research is needed.
- Individualized approach is key: Response varies widely. Success depends on the condition, the person, the practitioner, and the protocol.
Ultimately, if you are dealing with a condition supported by evidence and have guidance from your healthcare provider, stimulating the appropriate acupoints may be a safe and effective complementary tool to explore.
References
- Napadow, V., Kettner, N., Ryan, A., Kwong, K. K., Audette, J., & Hui, K. K. (2005). Brain correlates of acupuncture: Evidence from neuroimaging. NeuroImage, 27(3), 479–481. Read Here
- Vickers, A. J., Vertosick, E. A., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., Sherman, K. J., Irnich, D., Witt, C. M., & Linde, K. (2018). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain, 19(5), 455–474. Read Here
- National Cancer Institute. (2023, November 17). Acupuncture (PDQ®)–Patient Version. Retrieved February 15, 2025, from Read Here
- Liu, Y., Liu, L., Wang, X., & Luo, Y. (2022). Research progress on the mechanism of acupuncture analgesia. Frontiers in Medicine, 9, Article 888245. Read Here
- Lu, W., Giobbie-Hurder, A., Freedman, R. A., Shin, I. H., Lin, N. U., Partridge, A. H., ... & Buring, J. E. (2020). Acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer survivors: A randomized controlled pilot trial. The Oncologist, 25(4), 310–318. Read Here
Versi Bahasa Malaysia.
Updated: 15th September 2025
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