Herbal Medicine or Acupuncture? A Guide to Choosing the Right Treatment

A 2025 group consensus by Li et al. emphasized the potential of non-pharmacological TCM interventions, including acupuncture and herbal therapies, in enhancing ART outcomes and patient well-being [23]. These guidelines highlight the role of evidence-based complementary practices in reproductive medicine, advocating for standardized protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration. This study also considers safety profiles, given the increasing interest among patients and healthcare providers in integrating EATM into ART protocols. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a systematic healthcare system developed from clinical experience based on a scientific model of regulation. TCM relies on unique theories and practices to treat diseases and enhance health. The integration of TCM in Western health systems and research requires a rational communicable theory, scientific proof of efficacy and safety, and quality control measures.
Graduates earn a Master Level Certificate in Acupuncture and are well prepared to sit for the national board and licensing exams prior to starting or joining a practice. The trained trained practitioners use their skills and knowledge along with their passion and enthusiasm to help you along your journey to wellness. If you are in a constant state of sub-health, your immunity may suffer, your organs will age faster and this can lead to more serious ailments especially if you have been in a sub-health condition for a long period of time. As a service to our readers, Harvard Herbal Medicine for Bulging Discs Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Complementary therapies should not replace these fundamental lifestyle habits. Hot flushes, night sweats or swinging mood changes are some of the most common symptoms of menopause — the stage of a woman's life when menstrual periods stop permanently, and she is no longer fertile.

The current body of literature on RCTs examining acupuncture and HM in ART presents several notable gaps that challenge the consistency and reliability of findings. Methodological inconsistencies across studies, particularly regarding acupuncture techniques (manual, electrical, or auricular), timing, and dosage, contribute significantly to heterogeneity. Additionally, small sample sizes in many studies increase the risk of bias, limiting the generalizability of the results.
Differences in types (body, electro, auricular), timing, and sham acupuncture approaches across the included RCTs introduced considerable heterogeneity. This variability weakened the study’s ability to provide consistent conclusions about acupuncture’s efficacy. Sham acupuncture, commonly used as a control, is problematic as it can produce physiological effects similar to those of true acupuncture, potentially biasing comparisons [64].
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into specific points of the body called meridian points. The primary goal and theory of acupuncture is that inserting these needles into specific points will encourage the natural state of balance and flow of qi, clearing obstructions and restoring health and well-being. With the growing popularity and availability of TCM herbs, many patients are beginning to access more than one treatment type concurrently.

The “vascular hypothesis” suggests that the foundational structure of meridians may correspond to blood vessels, particularly the arterial network. Some perspectives propose a resemblance between the depiction of meridians and the vascular system, especially in the arrangement of arteries[3]. The observation of sensory conveyance along meridians could be attributed to the unique configuration of blood vessels, implying that the abundance of blood vessels within tissues along the meridians may serve as the material basis for meridians[4].
Chinese herbs are generally safe, but it’s essential to work with a licensed practitioner who can tailor the herbs to your individual needs. Always disclose any medications you’re taking to avoid potential interactions. The skilled acupuncturists at Village Remedies are the foundation of our success. With extensive training and a deep commitment to the well-being of our clients, they are well-equipped to guide you on your journey to better health. The Council's full CNT course, the nationally recognized standard in acupuncture safety, is a requirement for NCCAOM certification and licensure in most states. The Council's CNT Review course can be completed for PDA/CEU credits for both the NCCAOM and California Acupuncture Board.

To ensure a clear evaluation of EATM interventions, we only included studies that used a single intervention—either acupuncture or HM. Studies combining both acupuncture and HM were excluded to maintain methodological consistency. Additionally, the inclusion of various forms of acupuncture and HM, along with comparisons to sham or placebo treatments, enhances the validity of the findings. Cupping therapy uses suction to promote blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and enhance recovery by drawing out toxins and stimulating healing processes. The dietary advice, sleep recommendations, and stress management guidance from your practitioner are equally important.
The literature has proposed the hypothesis that “yin meridians correspond to arteries”[5]. Notably, the inclusion of the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian is highly consistent with the modern anatomical discovery of the persistent median artery, further supporting the correlation between yin meridians and arteries. Interestingly, the commonly used pulse detection points in modern medicine are all located on the 12 meridians of TCM.
With 25+ years of owning the conversation, we bring 24,000+ practitioners and students the news, research, clinical insight, and product information they rely on — in print, online, and everywhere in between. CCMU advances Chinese medicine education through root-oriented clinical reasoning and an emphasis on long-term clinical effectiveness, integrating classical theory with modern clinical training. If the problem you're bringing to your practitioner for treatment is new, you may only need two to five sessions before things improve; if it's been an issue over the longer term, it may take between six and 12 sessions to see a change.

Like acupuncture, Chinese herbs are thought to address unhealthy body patterns and restore energy balance. Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach to weight loss, focusing on improving digestion, regulating metabolism, and addressing emotional and environmental factors that may contribute to weight gain. Acupuncture can stimulate specific points to reduce cravings, regulate appetite, and support the Spleen and Stomach systems, which are responsible for digestion. Herbal remedies like huang qi, ginseng, and lotus leaf can be used to enhance metabolic function, improve energy levels, and promote fat burning. TCM also encourages lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and managing stress, to support long-term weight management. The different systems in the body are  interconnected, but acupuncture has a unique way of viewing those connections.
The inclusion of a supplementary chapter on traditional medicine conditions in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11) was a significant step in the clarification process. Chinese herbal medicines treat the underlying causes of illness rather than individual symptoms. At the Academy’s Herbal Clinic, we apply a holistic approach to the use of herbs to address physical, emotional and spiritual issues. Once a student practitioner has assessed a patient’s specific needs, a formula is individually created to stimulate the body’s natural healing powers.
As with all careers in the health profession, the journey begins with education. Graduation from an accredited school with aMaster’s or Doctorate degree and acquiring a state license are requirements for practitioners in nearly all states. Most statesalso require certification by the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (NCBAHM, formerly NCCAOM). Below are six benefits of integrating these two practices to cultivate good health. During your MAc-HM program, you will work alongside DC and ND interns in our Whole Health Center.