The modernization of traditional Chinese medicine is advancing steadily, and acupuncture's efficacy in pain treatment has gained wide international recognition. Authoritative organizations such as the World Health Organization have included acupuncture in recommended treatments for many conditions, and a growing number of international patients choose acupuncture as an important supplement for pain management and rehabilitation.
How acupuncture treats pain
Acupuncture stimulates specific acupoints to regulate the nervous, endocrine and immune systems, promoting the release of endogenous pain-relieving substances. Extensive clinical research confirms that acupuncture has clear relief effects on chronic low back pain, neck and shoulder pain, migraines and osteoarthritis pain.
Compared with modern medicine, acupuncture has fewer side effects and no drug dependence, making it suitable as an adjunct for long-term pain management.
China's advantages in acupuncture
China has the most complete acupuncture education and clinical system. Cities like Shanghai concentrate many experienced acupuncture specialists and standardized institutions. Combined with modern rehabilitation medicine, China's acupuncture treatment has developed distinctive integrated Chinese-Western medicine approaches.
Advice for international patients
Acupuncture treatment usually requires multiple sessions over a course of treatment, so international patients should plan their stay accordingly. Before treatment, patients should fully inform doctors of their medical history and medications, especially bleeding disorders and anticoagulant use.
MedBridge assistance
MedBridge can connect international patients with regulated TCM acupuncture institutions in Shanghai, providing booking, interpretation accompaniment and course arrangements.