Acupuncture Market to Grow at Highest Pace owing to Increasing Demand for Pain Management Therapies
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese traditional therapy that involves insertion of thin needles into specific points on the skin, known as acupuncture points, to manage pain. It is a major component of traditional Chinese medicine and is used to manage various health conditions, including stress, addiction, insomnia, headaches, back and neck pain, among others. The therapy is also being used for musculoskeletal conditions, nausea and palliative care. It helps stimulate the nervous system and induces the body's natural pain killers.
The global acupuncture market size is anticipated to reach a value of US$ 48.10 Billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2032.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the acupuncture market are Modern Acupuncture, ARC Acupuncture & Physical Therapy, Ayush Ayurved, GC Biopharma Corporation, NatureKue, Inc., Columbia Nutritional, Sheng Chang Pharmaceutical Company, LKK Health Products Group Limited, Nordic Neutraceuticals, Helio USA, Inc., Seirin Corporation, Suzhou Hualun Medical Appliance Co., Ltd., Boen Healthcare Co., Ltd., Wuxi Jiajian Medical Instruments Co., Ltd., and Suzhou Zhongjing Life & Science Technology Co., Ltd.
Acupuncture Market Demand is uses thin needles that are inserted through the skin. The needles stimulate nerve fibers that may help release natural painkillers such as endorphins and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which block pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. Growing demand for non-drug and traditional pain management therapies are expected to drive the acupuncture market. Technological advancements in acupuncture such as introduction of laser acupuncture and electroacupuncture which have enabled faster treatments.
Market Trends
The acupuncture market is witnessing the trend of medical tourism where patients are travelling to other countries especially in Asia to seek low-cost traditional therapies including acupuncture. This is boosting the market growth. Another key trend is the integration of acupuncture with physiotherapy treatments. Hospitals and physiotherapy centers are offering acupuncture as part of multi-therapy treatments for various muscular and joint pains and conditions like frozen shoulder and tennis elbow. This is gaining popularity.
Market Opportunities
Rise in adoption of home-use acupuncture kits and devices like acupuncture pens, laser acupuncture devices etc. presents major opportunity for market players and practitioners. The at-home care segment is projected to grow fastest in the coming years. Secondly, increasing awareness about Asian traditional therapies through educational programs, seminars and social media campaigns can encourage more people to try acupuncture and drive the market growth.
Impact of COVID-19 on Acupuncture Market Growth
The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the acupuncture market negatively. During the peak of pandemic in 2020-2021, many countries imposed lockdowns which affected both patients and clinics. People avoided visiting clinics for non-emergency treatments like acupuncture due to fear of infection. This led to a steep decline in demand in the initial months. However, acupuncture is considered an effective treatment for respiratory conditions and post-COVID recovery. This increased its importance and acceptance during the pandemic. With relaxation in lockdowns and improved situation, the demand is gradually recovering.
The clinics adopted proper sanitization and safety protocols to minimize risks. Some clinics started offering online acupuncture sessions to comply with social distancing norms. This helped in engaging with patients and maintaining business continuity. With growing preference for alternative medicine and focus on immunity boosting, the usage of acupuncture as an add-on therapy is increasing. The market is expected to rebound strongly in the coming years backed by increased acceptance, development of new techniques and solutions. The pandemic has boosted research focus on applications of acupuncture in viral infections and post-disease recovery.
Geographically, East Asia accounts for the largest share in the global acupuncture market in terms of revenue. Countries like China, Japan and South Korea have been practicing acupuncture for centuries. It is a deeply ingrained part of their healthcare systems. The region has a high density of acupuncture clinics and practitioners. With growing geriatric population and subsequent increase in chronic diseases, the demand in East Asia is expected to remain high.
The acupuncture market is growing fastest in North America. Increased popularity of alternative medicines, integration with conventional treatments, availability of trained acupuncturists and favorable regulations are driving higher adoption. Greater awareness about acupuncture benefits, focus on preventive health and willingness to pay for specialized therapies are propelling market revenue in the region. The USA is the largest contributor to North American acupuncture market currently and expected to maintain lead in the coming years as well.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)