Managing Diabetes with Acupuncture: A Holistic Approach

by urban-acupuncture | Mar 5, 2025 | Acupuncture

Acupuncture Can Help Manage Your Diabetes 

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, leading to complications such as high blood sugar levels, nerve damage (neuropathy), and other metabolic disorders. While conventional treatments like medication, insulin therapy, and lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of diabetes management, many individuals are exploring complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Research suggests that acupuncture may help improve blood sugar control and alleviate diabetic neuropathy symptoms, offering a holistic approach to diabetes care.

How Acupuncture May Benefit People with Diabetes

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance energy flow, or “Qi.” In the context of diabetes management, acupuncture has shown promise in several key areas:

1. Regulating Blood Sugar Levels

Several studies have indicated that acupuncture can help lower blood glucose levels by:

• Enhancing insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to use glucose more effectively.
• Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are linked to insulin resistance.
• Modulating the nervous system and hormones involved in glucose metabolism.

For example, research has shown that acupuncture can influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture may help restore balance to this system, improving glucose metabolism and reducing insulin resistance.

2. Relieving Symptoms of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, causing pain, tingling, and numbness, primarily in the hands and feet. Acupuncture may help by:

• Improving circulation: Enhanced blood flow can nourish damaged nerves and promote healing.
• Reducing nerve pain: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can help alleviate discomfort.
• Decreasing inflammation: Studies suggest that acupuncture may help reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in nerve damage.

Clinical trials have shown that acupuncture treatments can significantly reduce neuropathic pain and improve nerve function in diabetes patients. Some studies even suggest that regular acupuncture sessions could slow the progression of neuropathy.

3. Supporting Weight Management and Metabolism

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Acupuncture has been explored as a weight management tool because it can:

• Suppress appetite by regulating hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin.
• Improve digestion and metabolism by stimulating the gastrointestinal system.
• Reduce stress and emotional eating by balancing the nervous system.

Studies indicate that acupuncture can aid in weight loss and improve lipid profiles, which may contribute to better blood sugar control.

Scientific Studies Supporting Acupuncture for Diabetes

Several studies support the potential benefits of acupuncture for diabetes management:

• A meta-analysis published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice found that acupuncture significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity.
• A study in The Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies reported that patients with diabetic neuropathy experienced significant pain relief and improved nerve function after acupuncture treatments.
• Research in Endocrinology & Metabolism suggested that acupuncture can help regulate hormones involved in glucose metabolism, providing a potential complementary approach to diabetes care.

While acupuncture is not a replacement for standard diabetes treatments, it may serve as a valuable complementary therapy, enhancing the effectiveness of conventional medical care.

Acupuncture Points for Diabetes Management

Acupuncturists typically target specific points to help manage diabetes and its complications. Some commonly used acupoints include:

• ST36 (Zusanli): Known for boosting digestion and energy metabolism.
• SP6 (Sanyinjiao): Used to regulate the spleen and kidney function, which are important in blood sugar balance.
• LI11 (Quchi): Often targeted to reduce inflammation and support immune function.
• PC6 (Neiguan): Helps manage stress and emotional well-being, which can impact blood sugar levels.

Acupuncture sessions are usually combined with lifestyle recommendations, such as dietary modifications, exercise, and stress management techniques, to achieve optimal results.

Is Acupuncture Safe for People with Diabetes?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. The risks are minimal, especially when sterile, single-use needles are used. However, people with diabetes should take some precautions:

• Ensure that acupuncture is done by a qualified practitioner to avoid infection risks.
• Monitor blood sugar levels closely, as acupuncture may enhance insulin sensitivity.
• Discuss acupuncture with a healthcare provider, especially if taking medications that lower blood sugar.

A Complementary Approach to Diabetes Care

Acupuncture offers a promising complementary therapy for people with diabetes by potentially improving blood sugar control, relieving neuropathy symptoms, and supporting overall metabolic health. While more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects, acupuncture may serve as a valuable addition to a comprehensive diabetes management plan.

For individuals seeking a holistic approach, combining acupuncture with standard treatments, healthy eating, and regular physical activity may lead to better diabetes control and improved quality of life. If you’re considering acupuncture for diabetes, consult with a licensed acupuncturist and your healthcare provider to determine if it’s the right option for you.

Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH For More Information

For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy, electroacupuncture and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville) (614) 725-2488  or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.

The Impact of Acupuncture Timing on IVF Success Rates

by urban-acupuncture | Mar 1, 2025 | Acupuncture

Acupuncture Before IVF Increased Success Rates

Acupuncture has long been explored as a complementary therapy to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. A recent study published in PMC has provided compelling evidence that acupuncture performed 25 minutes before embryo transfer (ET) significantly enhances IVF success rates. However, the study also found that repeating acupuncture 25 minutes after ET did not yield additional benefits.

Key Findings of the Study

The research aimed to determine whether acupuncture at specific time intervals around ET could positively influence implantation and pregnancy rates. The study evaluated women undergoing IVF and found that:

• Acupuncture performed 25 minutes before embryo transfer led to a statistically significant improvement in IVF success rates.
• However, repeating acupuncture 25 minutes after ET did not contribute to further enhancement of outcomes.

These findings suggest that the timing of acupuncture plays a crucial role in its effectiveness as a complementary IVF treatment.

Why Does Acupuncture Before ET Improve IVF Outcomes?

There are several potential explanations for why pre-ET acupuncture improves IVF success:

1. Increased Uterine Blood Flow – Acupuncture is known to enhance blood circulation, particularly to the uterus, which may improve the chances of successful implantation.
2. Reduced Uterine Contractions – Stress and anxiety can cause uterine contractions that may hinder implantation. Acupuncture is believed to have a calming effect, reducing contractions at a critical moment.
3. Hormonal Regulation – Acupuncture may help balance reproductive hormones, supporting a more favorable environment for embryo implantation.

Why Doesn’t Acupuncture After ET Provide Additional Benefits?

While acupuncture is beneficial before ET, performing it after transfer may not offer the same advantages. Possible reasons include:

• Implantation Window Timing – The most crucial period for improving uterine receptivity may occur before ET rather than afterward.
• Minimal Additional Physiological Impact – Once the embryo is transferred, the key factors influencing implantation are already in place, limiting acupuncture’s ability to further improve outcomes.
• Potential for Unnecessary Stimulation – In some cases, post-ET acupuncture could slightly disturb the embryo’s positioning, though more research is needed to confirm this.

Clinical Implications

For women undergoing IVF, this study provides valuable insight into optimizing acupuncture as a complementary treatment. Based on the findings:

• Acupuncture should be scheduled 25 minutes before embryo transfer to maximize potential benefits.
• Additional acupuncture sessions immediately after ET may not be necessary.
• Future research should explore whether acupuncture at different pre-ET intervals could further enhance outcomes.

Acupuncture is a promising adjunct therapy for improving IVF success, but timing is critical.

This study underscores that performing acupuncture before embryo transfer significantly enhances implantation success, while post-ET acupuncture does not provide added benefits. As acupuncture continues to be integrated into fertility treatments, these findings can help refine protocols and maximize the chances of a successful pregnancy.

For further details, you can read the full study here.

Contact Urban Acupuncture Center in Columbus, OH For More Information

For more information about how acupuncture, massage therapy, electroacupuncture and other alternative healing treatments can help you, please contact the Urban Acupuncture Center Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist’s team at Indianola Ave, Columbus, Ohio (Clintonville) (614) 725-2488  or click here. Taking new patients in and around greater Columbus, Ohio.