Turning to Acupuncture for Sciatica
A Complementary Therapy That May Be Combined With Medications
Medically reviewed by Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc
Acupuncture for sciatica is a safe and effective practice to relieve pain. Some studies suggest that it may be more effective—and cause fewer side effects—than prescription pain relievers. How long it takes for acupuncture to relieve sciatica pain varies from person to person, but many people report some improvement within two to three weeks.
This article explores the potential of acupuncture for relieving sciatica pain, including how it works, what to expect during and after acupuncture sessions, and how to find an acupuncture practitioner for sciatica symptoms.
LukaTDB / Getty Images
Acupuncture Needles for Sciatica: Where Do They Go?
Acupuncture is based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concept that the body’s life energy, or chi (sometimes spelled as "qi" or "ch'i"), flows through the body on meridians (pathways). Chi disruptions can cause energy to get stuck or stagnant in one or more meridians, leading to pain and disease in that area.
The goal of acupuncture is to restore the normal flow of chi by stimulating specific points in the body called acupoints. Using fine, sterile needles to stimulate acupoints may initiate the body’s natural healing processes to help promote health and reduce pain.
Some practitioners use electroacupuncture (electricity passes through the tissues from the needles) to activate the nervous system.
Acupuncture for sciatica involves targeting specific acupoints along the gallbladder and bladder meridians thought to be connected to the sciatic nerve.
The Bladder Meridian (BL)
The bladder meridian (BL) runs down the back of the body along the spine, hips, and legs. Acupoints used for sciatica within this meridian include:
BL 25 (Dachangshu): Located on the lower back
BL 40 (Weizhong): Located behind the knee
BL 23 (Shenshu): Located on the lower back, near the kidney
BL 36 (Chengfu): Located on the back of the thigh, just below the buttocks
The Gallbladder Meridian (GB)
The gallbladder meridian (GB) runs along the sides of the body from the corner of the eyes down to the pinky toe. The most frequently used acupoints for sciatica within this meridian are:
GB 30 (Huantiao): Located on the backside of the body, where the buttocks meet the hips
GB 34 (Yanglingquan): Located on the outside of the leg, just below the knee
GB 33 (Xiyangguan): Lateral to the knee, on the side of the leg
Stimulating acupoints in these meridians may help increase blood flow to the area, reduce inflammation, and promote the release of endorphins and other pain-relieving neurochemicals to relieve sciatica symptoms.
The specific acupoints targeted may vary depending on your symptoms and the root cause of sciatica.
Does Acupuncture Help Nerve Pain?
Acupuncture shows promise as a complementary therapy for reducing nerve pain. Research shows that acupuncture may have specific effects that relieve nerve pain:
Improved blood flow: Acupuncture stimulates blood circulation, which may help nourish damaged or irritated nerves and promote healing. This may help reduce nerve-related sciatica symptoms, including numbness, tingling, and pain.
Endorphin release: Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins—considered feel-good hormones—and other natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body, which may help relieve nerve pain.
Nervous system regulation: Acupuncture helps balance sympathetic and parasympathetic responses, which may help reduce stress, tension, and pain.
Muscle relaxation: Nerve pain often accompanies muscle tension and spasms. Acupuncture helps relax tight muscles, reducing pressure on affected nerves and providing relief.
Pregnancy, Sciatica, and Acupuncture
Sciatica is common during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Hormonal changes, a growing uterus, and changes to your center of gravity can irritate and compress the sciatic nerve, leading to pain.
Acupuncture is a low-risk therapy for aches and pains during pregnancy and may help reduce sciatica pain. Research shows acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for sciatica during pregnancy. It can help improve circulation and reduce pain and inflammation without adverse effects on the pregnant person or fetus.
Proceed With Caution
Some acupoints are contraindicated for pregnancy as they can induce labor. Consult a healthcare provider before trying acupuncture, especially while pregnant.
Needle Preparation, Insertion, and Aftercare
Your initial visit to an acupuncturist will include a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and health goals. Afterward, the acupuncturist may ask you to change into a gown and lie on an acupuncture table so they can easily access the necessary acupoints.
Needle Preparation
The acupuncturist will begin your session by selecting the appropriate size needles based on your age, body type, and the location of acupoints they plan to access.
They will wash their hands, then open a new, sealed package of sterile needles and place them on a clean tray. Before inserting the needles, they may use an alcohol swab or similar antiseptic on your skin where they plan to insert needles.
Needle Insertion
The acupuncturist will gently insert the needles at a shallow depth into the selected acupoints for sciatica. Most people experience little to no pain during this process. You may feel a brief, mild prick or tingling at the needle insertion point.
During the Session
Once the needles are in place, you will relax for about 20 to 30 minutes. The acupuncturist may leave the room during this time, but they will check on you regularly. You may experience a sense of warmth, tingling, or mild heaviness around the needle sites but should not feel any pain. This is a normal response to acupuncture; many people find it calming.
Aftercare
After the session, your acupuncturist will carefully remove the needles. It’s common to feel deeply relaxed after acupuncture, so take your time getting up to prevent dizziness. You may notice minor redness, bruising, or soreness at the needle sites. This is normal and should fade quickly. Your acupuncturist may offer advice on self-care practices for the rest of the day, such as:
Drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins released during treatment.
Avoid strenuous activity a few hours after treatment.
Nap or rest if you feel tired.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you and interfere with the healing process.
Perform gentle stretches to complement the effects of acupuncture.
How Do You Feel After Acupuncture?
How you feel after acupuncture can vary from person to person. Some people may feel calmer and relaxed, while others may feel more energized. Feelings you may experience after an acupuncture session include:
Pain relief: You may experience immediate pain relief after acupuncture, though it may take more than one session for noticeable results. This effect may become more pronounced with subsequent sessions.
Minor discomfort: While acupuncture is generally painless, some people may experience minor soreness or bruising at the needle insertion sites. This is usually temporary and resolves quickly.
Thirst: It’s common to feel thirsty after acupuncture. Drinking water can help rehydrate your body. Many people notice they urinate more frequently in the hours following an acupuncture session.
Emotional release: In some cases, acupuncture may trigger an emotional release, leading to more emotional expressiveness or higher sensitivity.
Talk to your acupuncturist if you have concerns about how you feel after an acupuncture session.
Finding an Acupuncture Clinic for Sciatica Symptoms
Finding a qualified, licensed acupuncturist is the best way to ensure safe treatment and results. Here’s what to consider when looking for an acupuncture clinic or acupuncturist:
Look for a licensed and accredited acupuncturist. Most states license acupuncturists, though this varies from state to state. You can search for a licensed acupuncturist on the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) website.
Ask about the acupuncturist’s experience in treating sciatica.
Read online reviews of the local clinics and acupuncturists.
Ask a healthcare provider for a referral or recommendation.
Once you find potential acupuncture clinics, call and ask questions to learn more about the clinic’s policies and procedures and determine if it is a good fit for you.
Insurance and Financials
Insurance coverage for acupuncture varies by insurance providers and plans. Some insurance plans cover acupuncture for sciatica, while others do not. Contact your insurance provider to ask about your plan’s coverage. Medicare covers up to 12 acupuncture sessions annually for chronic low-back pain. Medicaid coverage varies from state to state.
If your insurance plan does not cover acupuncture, you will pay for treatments out of pocket. The cost of acupuncture varies depending on the clinic’s location, the acupuncturist’s experience, and the number of treatments you need. Some acupuncture clinics offer sliding scale fees based on income, and some may offer discounts for multiple sessions.
Summary
Acupuncture for sciatica is an effective, safe therapy that helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension. Acupuncturists target specific points on the body believed to be connected to the sciatic nerve. Sessions typically last between 20 and 30 minutes, and many people with sciatica report improvements within a few sessions.
Talk to a healthcare provider to determine if acupuncture for sciatica is right for you and for recommendations to local reputable practitioners.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
