Acupuncture: what the research says

May help prevent frequent headaches; NICE suggests it for some long-term pain. Guidelines disagree on back pain; other evidence is limited.

What a session is

A practitioner inserts very fine, single-use needles into the skin at chosen points and may turn them gently or pass a small electrical current through them. It comes from traditional Chinese medicine; some practitioners use a Western medical approach.

What the research says

• Headaches and migraine: UK guidelines say consider a course to prevent frequent headaches or migraine. Studies found fewer headache days, but only a little more than fake needling. Good evidence it helps · NICE, 2025 · Cochrane, 2016 · Cochrane, 2016
• Back, neck and long-term pain: Guidelines disagree: NICE says don't offer it for low back pain, but consider one course for long-term pain. Extra benefit over fake needling is small. Some evidence it may help · NICE, 2016 · NICE, 2021 · NHS, 2026
• Worry, anxiety and stress: A few low-quality studies suggest it may ease anxiety, including before surgery. Everyday stress has not been studied well. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2024
• Low mood: Studies found low mood eased somewhat versus no extra care, and slightly versus fake acupuncture. Most were low quality. See a doctor if it lasts. Limited evidence · Cochrane, 2018 · NCCIH, 2022
• Sleep: Some small studies found better sleep, but all were low quality. A review could not say whether it helps. Limited evidence · Cochrane, 2022 · NCCIH, 2024
• Menopause (hot flushes): Fewer hot flushes than with no acupuncture, but no fewer than with fake acupuncture. Studies are small and low quality. Limited evidence · NCCIH, 2022 · Cochrane, 2013 · NCCIH, 2021
• Stopping smoking: No lasting benefit over fake acupuncture was found, though some studies saw a small short-term effect. Nicotine replacement worked better. Limited evidence · Cochrane, 2014 · NCCIH, 2022

More on each need: A relaxed body · Feel calmer · Lift your mood · Sleep better · Menopause wellbeing

Is it safe?

Serious problems are rare with a trained practitioner using sterile, single-use needles; brief soreness, slight bleeding or a small bruise can happen. Check with your doctor first if you take blood thinners, bleed easily or have a skin infection. In the UK, choose a practitioner on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). NCCIH, 2022 · NHS, 2026 · Santé.fr, 2022

Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.

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Checked 17 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.