An employee from the Faculty of Biology and a lecturer from the Faculty of Psychology at Moscow State University spoke with Gazeta about acupuncture’s reported effectiveness. They noted that traditional Chinese medicine techniques have shown notable results in easing pain related to the musculoskeletal system, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory conditions. Lomonosov Egor Lobusov has conducted fieldwork on traditional Chinese medicine and self-regulation methods in China for several years, enriching the discussion with firsthand experience.
The expert emphasized that many meta-analyses, which synthesize results across multiple studies, support these findings. He also pointed out that the placebo effect appears to be strongest within these three body systems, which can influence perceived improvements in pain and function.
While Lobusov himself uses acupuncture, he regards some of its effects as driven by placebo for certain patients. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that the method can produce tangible benefits for others, reinforcing the idea that acupuncture often works but not in a single, universal mechanism.
According to the expert, the mechanism behind acupuncture is multifaceted and context-dependent. During treatment, responses occur in connective tissues, and there is reflex stimulation alongside powerful psychological influences. Traditional medical texts often attach great importance not only to the exact needle insertion point but also to the technique of needle manipulation, which is believed to interact with connective tissue and neural pathways to generate clinical effects.
In August, the World Health Organization hosted the first World Summit on Alternative Medicine. The event included discussions on the effectiveness of Chinese acupuncture and explored questions about whether doctors should rely on this approach, when it might be beneficial, and what the WHO initiative intends to achieve. These themes were examined in coverage produced by various outlets and summarized in a neutral, evidence-focused context by health reporters (attribution: World Health Organization coverage, and related health reporting sources).
Historically, acupuncture has been described as applicable to several conditions. Earlier medical lists identified a number of diseases that practitioners believe can respond to acupuncture, though modern assessments stress a nuanced view that incorporates patient individuality, provider expertise, and the broader evidence base. Contemporary discussions continue to analyze which conditions show the strongest signals of benefit and how best to integrate acupuncture with other treatment modalities in multidisciplinary care.
From a global health and patient education perspective, clinicians and researchers in North America often compare acupuncture’s role to other complementary therapies. This includes evaluating cost, accessibility, and safety while considering cultural factors that influence acceptance. In Canada and the United States, patients frequently seek acupuncture for chronic pain, gastrointestinal complaints, and respiratory symptoms, and clinicians increasingly rely on evidence syntheses to guide recommendations. The ongoing dialogue frames acupuncture as one option among many to improve quality of life, rather than a standalone cure.
Overall, the evidence base continues to evolve. Meta-analyses highlight potential benefits for specific conditions, yet researchers stress the importance of rigorous trial design, standardized protocols, and transparent reporting to draw firmer conclusions. Clinicians are urged to balance patient preferences with robust clinical data, using acupuncture as part of a patient-centered care plan that respects safety, concordance, and measurable outcomes. In the end, acupuncture is best viewed as a modality with context-dependent effects, which may offer meaningful relief when tailored to the individual and delivered by well-trained practitioners.