Have you ever tried alternative medicine to treat your chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associated symptoms? Acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TMC), is used in many countries to cure a variety of ills while causing few side effects. Discover more about acupuncture and what research studies have found.*  

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient practice of TMC and works by penetrating the skin with thin, solid needles. Each needle hits points in the body to stimulate the central nervous system. This leads to a process that releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. With the activation of these chemicals to other body parts, the body may be able to naturally heal. 

Acupuncture needles are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and must pass certain manufacturing practices and meet requirements to ensure they are sterilized properly. Therefore, it is known to be a safe practice and may promote physical and emotional well-being.

Does acupuncture benefit CKD patients?

CKD patients face many different types of symptoms, including headaches, insomnia, fatigue, and generalized pain. Multiple studies have found that the benefits of acupuncture may include: 

• Enhancing the immune system
• Improving kidney function
• Reducing protein in the blood
• Controlling high blood pressure
• Correcting anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Relieving pain
• Reducing insomnia and fatigue

Despite these encouraging findings, research analysts say that since many of these studies were small and had various other limitations, larger and more rigorous studies are needed to determine and confirm the effects of acupuncture on CKD. 

If you’re interested in exploring acupuncture as a complement to your existing medical treatment, speak with your doctor to ensure that you are a good candidate for it. If you both agree that it is safe for you, the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (CCAHM) can help you find a licensed practitioner near you. 

*Huang, C., Lin, Y., Yang, Y., Zeng, F., Jiang, H., Lin, T., & Zheng, L. (2020). Effectiveness and safety of warm needle acupuncture on chronic renal failure. Medicine, 99(2), e18706. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000018706

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