ntroduction: Acupuncture, an ancestral practice from traditional Chinese medicine, is increasingly garnering interest in the modern medical sphere. Recent scientific studies highlight the multiple benefits of this technique, ranging from the improvement of neurological function to pain management, and its role in treating various pathologies.
Development:
In the dental field, the use of laser therapy on acupuncture points has shown positive results in treating orofacial problems, although further research is needed to standardize treatment protocols (Oliveira et al., 2015).
For post-stroke rehabilitation, acupuncture is recommended by the WHO as an alternative and complementary strategy. It has proven effective in improving balance, reducing spasticity, and increasing muscle strength and overall well-being (Chávez et al., 2017).
In pain management, acupuncture has been proven to enhance endogenous endorphins and corticosteroids, thereby alleviating pain and promoting the healing process (Patil et al., 2016).
For COVID-19 related symptoms, acupuncture has shown potential benefits in suppressing inflammatory stress, improving immunity, and regulating nervous system function (Han et al., 2021).
Combined with antidepressants, acupuncture has been effective in treating depression, with a rapid onset of action, safe and well-tolerated (Chan et al., 2015).
For recovery after ischemic stroke, a study showed a tendency towards less dependence or mortality in patients treated with acupuncture, suggesting its potential in the subacute phase of ischemic stroke [(Zhang et al., 2015).
Neurogenesis and neurological disorders: Acupuncture can promote neurogenesis and cell proliferation in the CNS, offering therapeutic prospects in diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease (Shin, Lee, & Choi, 2017).
Critical analysis and skepticism: Despite increasing evidence, acupuncture still faces skepticism, particularly due to differences between traditional Chinese medicine theories and Western scientific evidence (Komesaroff, 2015).
Cortical response to acupuncture: A study revealed that acupuncture induces specific neuronal responses, suggesting specific cortical networks for different acupuncture stimuli (Rojas et al., 2019).
Improvement in quality of life: The benefits of acupuncture, such as easing anxiety, have been confirmed, thus improving the quality of life for patients (Burack & Reitez, 2022).
Conclusion: With its multiple scientifically proven benefits, acupuncture is increasingly establishing itself as a viable therapeutic alternative in the treatment of various pathologies. From pain to neurological rehabilitation and psychological disorders, its efficacy and safety offer an important complementary option in the field of modern health.