Will Acupuncture Work for Me? Genetic Factors Explained
Have you ever wondered why some people swear by acupuncture while others see no benefit at all? After two decades of practice in Berkhamsted, I've watched this puzzle play out countless times: one person transforms dramatically after just a few sessions, while another, equally hopeful, experiences minimal change.
The answer might surprise you. New genetic research is revealing that your response to acupuncture has less to do with what you believe and more to do with how you're biologically wired. This discovery is changing how we understand not just acupuncture, but personalized medicine itself.
"Will acupuncture work for me?" It's one of the most common questions from people thinking about having acupuncture and as research emerges it's possible to give a clearer answer to that question.
.
Beyond Belief: What the Science Actually Shows
When researchers studied people who responded strongly to acupuncture versus those who barely responded at all, they made a striking discovery. The difference wasn't in their personalities, beliefs, or outlooks, it was in their genes.
A landmark study by Chae and colleagues found that individual differences in acupuncture response result from genetic inheritance rather than psychological factors. In other words, whether acupuncture works for you may be written in your DNA, not your mind.
This challenges a lot of assumptions. I've watched skeptical clients get excellent results, and I've seen people who were convinced it would help them experience minimal change. What matters isn't what you believe, it's how your particular nervous system is wired.
The Genetics of Response
Scientists have identified specific genes that influence how people respond to acupuncture. The most studied is called COMT, which affects how your brain processes pain signals and stress. Think of it as regulating the "volume" of certain brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine.
In one remarkable study of women with joint pain from cancer treatment, every single person with a particular COMT variant improved with acupuncture. The genetic influence was that precise.
And it's not just one gene. Research has found combinations of genes affecting inflammation, nerve sensitivity, and pain regulation all influence response. Even biological sex appears to matter, which makes sense given how differently male and female nervous systems tend to operate.
What Animal Research Reveals
You might wonder whether this is all just placebo effect. Animal studies help answer this question. Since animals can't "believe" in treatments, they let us observe pure physiological responses.
The findings are consistent across species. Different breeds of mice respond differently to identical acupuncture treatments, suggesting genetic differences matter. More importantly, acupuncture creates measurable biological changes, increasing natural pain-relieving chemicals and altering how nerve cells communicate.
The response rates in animals mirror what we see in humans: about 50-70% show clear benefit. This isn't about expectation or belief, it's about biology.
Making Sense of Your Experience
What does this mean for you practically? Several things worth considering:
It's not personal failure. If acupuncture hasn't helped you in the past, this likely reflects your genetics rather than anything you did wrong or any lack of commitment.
Different problems, different responses. Your body might respond well to acupuncture for anxiety but not for back pain, because different biological systems and genes are involved.
Time and technique matter. Some genetic profiles seem to require more treatments to see results. I usually recommend six sessions before drawing conclusions about effectiveness. And while your biology sets the stage, skilful treatment, good point selection, needling technique, and treatment planning determine whether that potential gets realized.
What to expect practically: Initial consultations typically involve discussing your health history, current concerns, and treatment goals. Acupuncture sessions usually last 45-60 minutes, with most people receiving treatment weekly initially. The needles are very fine, much thinner than injection needles and most people find the process relaxing rather than painful.
Safety considerations: Acupuncture is generally very safe when performed by qualified practitioners. Side effects are rare and typically mild, such as slight bruising or temporary fatigue. Serious adverse events are extremely uncommon when treatment follows proper safety protocols.
The Broader Evidence
This genetic research sits within a much larger body of evidence. A major analysis of nearly 30 studies covering over 17,000 people found acupuncture significantly outperforms both sham acupuncture and no treatment across multiple pain conditions.
This reinforces what the genetic studies suggest: acupuncture creates genuine physiological changes, and the variation in results reflects biological diversity rather than placebo responses.
A Different Conversation
Understanding the genetic component of acupuncture response changes the conversation entirely. Instead of asking "Do you believe it will work?" we might eventually ask "What does your genetic profile suggest?"
We're not there yet, current genetic tests aren't accurate enough to guide treatment decisions. But this research opens up fascinating possibilities for more personalized approaches to traditional medicine.
What This Means for Practice
In my experience, this genetic understanding doesn't diminish acupuncture, it makes it more interesting. We're beginning to understand that traditional observations about individual constitution and response patterns might have biological underpinnings we're only now discovering.
It also changes how I work with people. When someone doesn't respond as expected, we can explore this as biological variation rather than treatment failure. Sometimes adjusting technique, changing point combinations, or addressing different aspects of their condition reveals responsiveness we hadn't initially tapped.
The relationship between practitioner and patient remains crucial. Your genetic potential needs skilled activation—the right points, appropriate stimulation, proper timing. Biology creates the possibility; good treatment helps realize it.
Looking Forward
We're at an early stage of understanding how genetics shapes therapeutic response. Future developments might include genetic screening to guide treatment choices, though we're years away from that being clinically useful.
For now, the most practical approach remains straightforward: try it, give it adequate time, and don't take non-response as personal failing. There's real biological logic behind why it helps some people more than others.
A More Complete Picture
What I find most compelling about this research is how it validates both traditional observations and modern scientific method. Traditional acupuncture has always recognized individual variation, the idea that treatments need tailoring to the person. Now we're beginning to understand some biological mechanisms behind these observations.
This doesn't mean acupuncture works for everyone, clearly it doesn't. But it does suggest that when it works, real physiological processes are involved, not just wishful thinking.
For the 50-70% of people who do respond, the effects can be substantial and lasting. For those who don't, understanding this as biological variation rather than treatment failure opens up other therapeutic possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many treatments should I try before deciding acupuncture isn't working?
Most people who respond feel some improvement within a few sessions. I usually recommend six treatments before making a decision about continuing.
Should I get genetic testing to see if acupuncture will work?
Not yet. While the research is promising, current tests aren't accurate enough to reliably predict response. The best approach remains trying it and observing the results.
If acupuncture didn't help with one condition, could it work for something else?
Yes. Different health issues involve different biological systems, and your body might respond better to some types of problems than others.
Does the choice of acupuncturist still matter if response is genetic?
Absolutely. Your genetics determine your capacity to respond, but skilled treatment is needed to activate that response effectively.
What percentage of people respond to acupuncture?
Research consistently shows around 50-70% of people report meaningful improvements across various conditions, age groups, and study designs.
Does this research prove acupuncture works?
It demonstrates that acupuncture causes measurable biological changes beyond placebo effects. Whether it works for you depends on your specific condition, your biology, and the quality of treatment you receive.
What does an acupuncture treatment actually involve?
Initial consultations include a detailed health history and examination. Treatment involves inserting very fine needles at specific points, usually for 20-30 minutes while you rest comfortably. Most people find it relaxing rather than painful.
How much does treatment typically cost and how many sessions might I need?
My treatment fees are £90 for the initial 1.5 hour consultation and £60 for follow up sessions (45 mins) Session numbers vary depending on your specific condition and response but generally a course of treatment is 6 treaments.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Acupuncture is very safe when performed by qualified practitioners. Occasional mild bruising or temporary tiredness can occur, but serious side effects are extremely rare.
What conditions do you commonly treat with acupuncture?
I regularly use acupuncture for chronic pain conditions, stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, digestive issues, and women's health concerns. Each person's response depends on their individual constitution and genetics.
How does acupuncture fit with other treatments I might be receiving?
Acupuncture generally works well alongside conventional medical care and other therapies. I always encourage open communication with all your healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care.
References
Chae, Y., et al. (2006). Individual differences of acupuncture analgesia in humans using cDNA microarray. Journal of Physiological Sciences, 56(6), 425-431. doi:10.2170/physiolsci.RP010206
Genovese, T. J., & Mao, J. J. (2019). Genetic predictors of response to acupuncture for aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia among breast cancer survivors. Pain Medicine, 20(1), 191-194. doi:10.1093/pm/pny067
Goldman, N., et al. (2010). Adenosine A1 receptors mediate local anti-nociceptive effects of acupuncture. Nature Neuroscience, 13(7), 883-888. doi:10.1038/nn.2562
Huang, C., et al. (2002). Characteristics of electroacupuncture-induced analgesia in mice: variation with strain, frequency, intensity and opioid involvement. Brain Research, 945(1), 20-25. doi:10.1016/S0006-8993(02)02807-4
Orlow, I., et al. (2020). Genetic predictors to acupuncture response for hot flashes: an exploratory study of breast cancer survivors. Menopause, 27(8), 932-938. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001545
Vickers, A. J., et al. (2012). Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. Archives of Internal Medicine, 172(19), 1444-1453. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3654
Curious whether acupuncture might help with your specific issue? I'm happy to talk it through. You can reach me at 07717 515 013 or sean@seanheneghan.com to arrange a consultation at my Berkhamsted clinic.
About Sean Heneghan - Traditional Acupuncturist & Therapist in Berkhamsted
Sean Heneghan is a BACP registered counsellor and traditional acupuncturist with over 20 years of experience practicing in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. Combining gestalt therapy, cognitive hypnotherapy, and traditional acupuncture, Sean offers an integrative approach to health and wellbeing.
Services include:
Traditional acupuncture for pain, stress, and chronic conditions
Gestalt counselling and therapy
Cognitive hypnotherapy
Integrative treatment approaches
Location: Berkhamsted Chiropractic Clinic, 69 High Street, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4 2DH
Contact: 07717 515 013 | sean@seanheneghan.com | www.seanheneghan.com
Serving Berkhamsted, Tring, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, and the wider Hertfordshire area