Can acupuncture treat schizophrenia?

Generally, acupuncture can be used as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia, but it cannot replace medication or standardized psychiatric and psychological therapies. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Acupuncture may help regulate the flow of qi and blood by stimulating specific acupoints, thereby improving common symptoms in patients with schizophrenia such as insomnia, anxiety, and physical discomfort. It can also alleviate side effects caused by medications, such as fatigue and dizziness, helping to establish a more stable physical and mental state. Therefore, it can serve as a supportive therapy. However, schizophrenia arises from multiple factors including neurotransmitter imbalances and genetic predisposition. Medications directly regulate neurological functions to control core symptoms, while standardized psychiatric and psychological treatments improve cognitive and behavioral patterns—effects that acupuncture cannot achieve. Thus, acupuncture should not replace mainstream treatment approaches.

Acupuncture must be performed by qualified physicians in正规 medical institutions; patients should avoid unlicensed facilities. Before treatment, patients should fully inform their physician about their medical condition and current medications to ensure safety. Acupuncture should never lead to self-adjustment or discontinuation of prescribed medications. It should be conducted concurrently with pharmacological and psychological treatments. Patients' responses should be closely monitored during treatment, and if any adverse reactions occur, acupuncture should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought, ensuring all treatment is carried out under scientific guidance.