What Is Acupuncture Treatment? In Which Areas Is It Used?

Created: 13.04.2026  ·  Last Updated: 09.07.2026  ·  Category: Traditional and Complementary Medicine  ·  Prepared by the Academic Hospital Web and Medical Editorial Board.

The literal meaning of acupuncture is needle insertion (Acus Punctum). In the early periods, needles were produced from materials selected according to the technological characteristics of the period (thorns, sharpened stones, etc.). In later ages, they were produced from precious metals such as gold and silver. Today, steel needles are used for ease of use and affordability.

In acupuncture, various point combinations are selected according to the patient’s disease condition. The channels that connect acupuncture points and allow energy to flow through them are called “meridians.” Through these meridians flows the life energy called “chi.” Blockage in these channels is the source of diseases. Again, depending on the disease condition, the chemical mediators that act are different (sometimes endomorphins, sometimes serotonin, etc.). Sometimes an electric current may be applied to the needles to increase their effectiveness (electroacupuncture).

The first publication about acupuncture was published in The Lancet journal in 1823.

Important Information: Acupuncture should be planned with an individualized assessment. It is important that the needles used are sterile, that the procedure is performed by competent practitioners, and that existing diseases and medications are reported to the physician before the procedure.

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How Many Sessions and How Long Does Acupuncture Treatment Take?

The treatment consists of 12-15 sessions and each session lasts 20-30 minutes. Treatments are applied 1-3 times per week.

Acupuncture and Obesity

Acupuncture application increases the concentration of the substance called serotonin in the central nervous system and helps accelerate metabolism.

Acupuncture activates the satiety center in the brain region called the hypothalamus in people with obesity. In addition, with ear acupuncture application, it has been observed that appetite is suppressed by stimulating the ear branch of a nerve.

With acupuncture application, weight loss is accompanied by a decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels. It is suggested that acupuncture treatment suppresses appetite in individuals with obesity, creates a fat-burning effect (lipolytic effect) through the increase in plasma beta-endorphin levels, and mobilizes energy stores through the rise in plasma glucagon. It is also thought to provide psychological support through increases in plasma serotonin, beta-endorphin and enkephalin levels, and therefore to cause weight loss.

Clinical note: In obesity treatment, acupuncture should not be considered as a stand-alone method; it should be evaluated together with a nutrition plan, physical activity, behavioral change and, when necessary, a medical treatment plan.

Acupuncture in Pain Treatment

Some substances that increase in the blood with the effect of acupuncture (endorphins, etc.) play an active role in relieving pain.

It is effective in relieving migraine, neck, lower back, knee pain and many other types of pain.

How Is Smoking Treated with Acupuncture?

The purpose of applying acupuncture while quitting smoking is to try to relieve the withdrawal state that appears in the first days. It also fights symptoms such as overeating, irritability and concentration problems. Acupuncture either prevents these problems from emerging or tries to eliminate those that appear.

Twenty-four hours after quitting smoking, the risk of heart attack decreases. In the fifth year, the risk of heart attack falls to half the risk of smokers. In the tenth year, it becomes equal to that of someone who has never smoked.

Acupuncture in IVF Treatment

One of the important factors that prevents success in IVF practice is the excessive stress that occurs in the expectant mother and the inability of the layer called the endometrium (the inner layer of the uterus), where the fertilized egg will attach and settle after transfer, to reach sufficient vascular maturity and thickness. Acupuncture contributes to the endometrium reaching sufficient maturity.

With its regulatory effect, acupuncture increases the expectant mother’s resistance to stress. Thus, the chance of success of expectant mothers who receive acupuncture treatment before and after IVF treatment increases compared with those who do not receive acupuncture treatment.

Points to consider before the procedure:

  • Use of blood thinners, bleeding disorders, pregnancy, pacemaker use or serious chronic diseases should be reported to the physician.
  • Acupuncture should be performed with sterile, single-use needles under appropriate clinical conditions.
  • If unexpected pain, bleeding, dizziness or signs of infection develop after the procedure, a healthcare institution should be consulted.

Get Information About Acupuncture Treatment

You can book an appointment to learn whether acupuncture is suitable for you and to receive a personalized assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does one acupuncture session take?
The treatment consists of 12-15 sessions and each session lasts 20-30 minutes. Treatments are applied 1-3 times per week.
Is acupuncture used in pain treatment?
Some substances that increase in the blood with the effect of acupuncture play an active role in relieving pain. It may be used for migraine, neck, lower back, knee pain and many other types of pain.
How is acupuncture evaluated in obesity treatment?
Acupuncture application increases the concentration of the substance called serotonin in the central nervous system and helps accelerate metabolism. In obesity treatment, it should be evaluated together with a personalized nutrition and lifestyle plan.
What is the purpose of acupuncture during smoking cessation?
The purpose of applying acupuncture while quitting smoking is to try to relieve the withdrawal state that appears in the first days. It also fights symptoms such as overeating, irritability and concentration problems.
Is acupuncture used in IVF treatment?
One of the factors affecting success in IVF treatment is the excessive stress experienced by the expectant mother. Acupuncture may increase the expectant mother’s resistance to stress through its regulatory effect.
What should be considered in acupuncture practice?
Before the procedure, medications used, chronic diseases and special health conditions should be reported to the physician. It is important that the application is performed under sterile conditions with single-use needles.
Academic Hospital note: Acupuncture treatment should be planned by taking the person’s general health status and current complaints into consideration. You can book an appointment for evaluation.

References

The general information in this article about acupuncture practice, safety, pain treatment and complementary treatment approaches is supported by the following authoritative health sources.

  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, “Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety”, nccih.nih.gov
  2. Mayo Clinic, “Acupuncture”, mayoclinic.org
  3. Cleveland Clinic, “Acupuncture: What To Know”, clevelandclinic.org
  4. Cochrane, “Acupuncture and assisted conception”, cochrane.org