Acupuncture for Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural biological process, but when it becomes chronic, it can contribute to persistent pain, impaired immune regulation, and long-term conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, inflammation is understood as an imbalance in the body, involving heat, stagnation, deficiency, and impaired circulation of Qi and Blood. Acupuncture has been used to address these patterns for centuries, and research suggests that consistency of treatment plays a significant role in outcomes and patient success. Studies show that regular, ongoing acupuncture treatments can produce progressively greater anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating effects over time. Individuals who receive multiple sessions tend to experience more meaningful and longer-lasting benefits than those who receive isolated or sporadic care.

In chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, inflammation commonly presents as pain, stiffness, and reduced function. Meta-analyses and clinical trials demonstrate that acupuncture can significantly improve chronic pain compared with sham or no-treatment controls, with benefits often lasting months and, in some cases, up to a year when treatments are administered consistently. Weekly treatment schedules have also been associated with sustained improvements in pain and function.

Because pain and inflammation are closely linked, regular acupuncture appointments may help maintain lower baseline levels of pro-inflammatory signaling while improving pain thresholds, effects that are difficult to achieve with infrequent treatment. Conditions such as autoimmune disorders and chronic gastrointestinal inflammation often require ongoing regulation rather than one-time interventions. Research in patients with Crohn’s disease, for example, has shown that consistent acupuncture over a twelve-week period was associated with clinical remission and sustained improvements in inflammatory markers. A growing body of research and clinical evidence suggests that acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating effects are better maintained with regular care.

At Bethesda Acupuncture, we offer comprehensive evaluations to develop personalized treatment plans, and ongoing evaluations to support consistent progress. If you are interested in learning more about how acupuncture may support your health, we would be pleased to assist you in scheduling a comprehensive evaluation. Please call us at 301.880.3232 and it would be our pleasure to assist you.

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References:

Liu S, Wang ZF, Su YS, et al. Somatotopic organization and intensity dependence in driving distinct sympathetic pathways by electroacupuncture. Neuron. 2020;108(3):436-450. doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2020.07.015

Dou X, Li Y, Ma Q, et al. Role of neuroimmune crosstalk in mediating the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of acupuncture. Front Neurosci. 2021;15:695670. doi:10.3389/fnins.2021.695670

Zhang Y, Li J, Cao L, et al. Macrophage polarization: a crucial mechanism of acupuncture anti-inflammatory effect. Chin Med. 2021;16(1):34. doi:10.1186/s13020-021-00466-7

Zhao J, Yang J, Liu Y, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Immunol. 2023;14:1123876. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1123876

Wang Y, Chen S, Xie Y, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture for Crohn disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2023;74:102913. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102913

Bao C, Wu L, Wu H, et al. Acupuncture for Crohn disease: a randomized, sham-controlled trial. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2014;20(11):2026-2033. doi:10.1097/MIB.0000000000000175

Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. J Pain. 2018;19(5):455-474. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Acupuncture: in depth. Updated 2023. Accessed January 2026. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction

Torres-Rosas R, Yehia G, Peña G, et al. Dopamine mediates vagal modulation of the immune system by electroacupuncture. Nat Med. 2014;20(3):291-295. doi:10.1038/nm.3479

Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther. 2007;6(3):251-257. doi:10.1177/1534735407305892

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This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.