Osteoporosis, a progressive condition of deteriorating bone density and structure, affects millions worldwide—particularly postmenopausal women—leading to increased fracture risk and compromised daily functioning.
Emerging evidence suggests that acupuncture, along with complementary techniques like moxibustion, may help support bone health by improving bone density, reducing pain, and enhancing overall bone quality.
Can Acupuncture Support Bone Health?
Let’s take a closer look at how traditional therapies may play a role in your bone wellness journey.
- Improving Bone Mineral Density (BMD): Various reviews and randomized controlled trials have suggested that acupuncture can modestly improve BMD in the lumbar spine, hip, and femoral neck in individuals with osteoporosis, especially when combined with standard treatments.
- Modulating Hormonal & Metabolic Pathways: By stimulating key acupoints, acupuncture may regulate hormones like estradiol, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. It also helps to activate bone formation pathways, while supporting healthier bone remodeling (in which old bone is replaced with new bone tissue throughout a person’s life).
- Reducing Pain & Enhancing Strength: Clinical evidence also indicates that acupuncture can relieve osteoporosis-related pain, increase bone strength, and improve functional outcomes, offering a gentler alternative to long-term medication.
Moxibustion: Warming Your Bones to Heal
Moxibustion, often used alongside acupuncture, employs burned mugwort (moxa) to gently warm acupoints, stimulating circulation and “qi.”
Research has shown that moxibustion can:
- Increase BMD and markers of bone formation.
- Reduce pain and improve daily function.
- Regulate calcium metabolism and bone-resorbing factors.
Integrating Acupuncture into Bone Health Care
It’s important to keep in mind that acupuncture and moxibustion complement—not replace—standard medical treatments and lifestyle measures like calcium-rich nutrition, weight-bearing exercise, vitamin D, and fall prevention. The good news? Treatments are generally well-tolerated, with few adverse effects when performed by licensed practitioners. Pregnant women and individuals who have certain health conditions or are using blood thinners should discuss options with their providers before starting treatment.
So, can acupuncture support bone health? The answer is encouraging. Evidence shows that acupuncture treatments, along with moxibustion, may be effective, safe complementary therapies to support bone density, reduce pain, and improve quality of life when used alongside standard care.
If you’re looking to strengthen your bones naturally, schedule a consultation with a Resilient Health Acupuncture practitioner today.