The Human Touch in Acupuncture: A Future with Artificial Intelligence?

Gerhard Litscher ^1,2,*

1. Swiss University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, High-Tech Acupuncture and Digital Chinese Medicine, Bad Zurzach, Switzerland

2. President of the International Society for Medical Laser Applications (ISLA transcontinental; since 2012), German Vice President of the German-Chinese Research Foundation (DCFG) for TCM (since 2014), Vice Chairperson, World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies, Committee of Card. Rehab. (2023-2028), Honorary President of the European Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Societies, Honorary Professor of China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Former Head of two Research Units and the TCM Research Center at the Medical University of Graz, Austria

* Correspondence: Gerhard Litscher

Special Issue: High-Tech and Digital Chinese Medicine (DCM)

Received: January 05, 2025 | Accepted: January 06, 2025 | Published: January 07, 2025

OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine 2025, Volume 10, Issue 1, doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2501003

Recommended citation: Litscher G. The Human Touch in Acupuncture: A Future with Artificial Intelligence?. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine 2025; 10(1): 003; doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2501003.

© 2025 by the authors. This is an open access article distributed under the conditions of the Creative Commons by Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is correctly cited.

1. Introduction

Acupuncture is deeply rooted in the millennia-old traditions of Chinese medicine and is founded on an intricate understanding of human physiology, especially the dynamics of energy flows (Qi). The precise application of needles to specific anatomical points is essential. This practice, aimed at promoting homeostasis and overall well-being, faces a pivotal crossroads as artificial intelligence (AI) gains prominence in modern medicine. This raises critical questions: How does the human factor retain its relevance in acupuncture, and what frameworks can harmonize this traditional methodology with the capabilities of AI? [1].

2. Artificial Intelligence as a Transformative Tool

The integration of AI into medicine has led to transformative advancements, particularly in diagnostics, prognostics, and the personalization of therapeutic interventions [2]. In the domain of acupuncture, AI holds the potential to refine diagnostic precision by analyzing extensive datasets encompassing patient histories, symptomatic patterns, and physiological parameters. Machine learning algorithms could identify correlations between specific symptom clusters and optimal acupuncture points, enhancing treatment efficacy [3].

Advanced imaging and simulation technologies powered by AI could also provide empirical validation for acupuncture’s effects on the body. By modeling energy flow dynamics and physiological responses, AI can generate robust, quantifiable data to bridge the gap between traditional practice and scientific scrutiny. This could bolster the credibility of acupuncture in evidence-based medical paradigms [1,3,4].

3. The Non-Replicable Human Element

Despite the promising contributions of AI, the human element in acupuncture remains indispensable [5]. Practitioners bring a unique confluence of expertise, intuition, and empathy that transcends algorithmic capabilities. Effective acupuncture requires not only an understanding of physical symptoms but also an appreciation of the patient’s emotional and psychosocial context. This holistic insight remains beyond the reach of AI.

The therapeutic alliance between the practitioner and the patient is an essential step in effective treatment. This relationship fosters trust and enhances the patient’s receptivity to therapy. The traditional tactile nature of acupuncture, combined with the practitioner’s nuanced decision-making and empathic engagement, contributes possibly significantly to the therapeutic outcome. These dimensions underscore the sometimes irreplaceability of the human touch.

4. Balancing Technological Innovation with Traditional Expertise

Integrating AI into acupuncture necessitates a judicious balance that preserves the core values of this ancient practice while leveraging technological advancements. AI can function as an adjunct rather than a replacement, supporting practitioners by providing evidence-based insights and optimizing administrative workflows. This approach ensures that the practitioner remains central to the therapeutic process [5].

For instance, AI-powered diagnostic tools could streamline patient evaluations, enabling practitioners to focus on the interpretative and relational aspects of care. Similarly, real-time feedback from AI-driven simulations could inform needle placement and depth, enhancing precision without overshadowing the practitioner’s expertise.

5. Limitations of Artificial Intelligence in Acupuncture

The limitations of AI in this domain are both philosophical and practical. While algorithms excel at pattern recognition and data processing, they lack the contextual and intuitive reasoning that characterizes human decision-making. Acupuncture, rooted in a systems-oriented health perspective, addresses the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and energetic dimensions—a complexity that eludes reductionist AI models.

Additionally, the risk of over-reliance on technology poses ethical and practical concerns. Patients may perceive their care as depersonalized, reducing their engagement and trust. Furthermore, an excessive focus on technological solutions could marginalize the experiential and cultural wisdom inherent in acupuncture.

6. A Synergistic Future: Humans and Machines in Harmony

The future of acupuncture lies in fostering a synergistic relationship between human practitioners and AI technologies. AI can be a powerful tool to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline operations, and generate empirical support for treatment modalities. However, the essence of acupuncture—its reliance on human intuition, relational dynamics, and manual skill—must remain paramount.

Ethical considerations should guide the development and implementation of AI in acupuncture. Training programs must equip practitioners with not only technological proficiency but also a deepened commitment to the empathic and intuitive dimensions of care. This dual emphasis ensures that technological innovation complements rather than compromises acupuncture's human-centric nature.

7. Bridging Tradition with Science: Acupuncture in the Laboratory

Acupuncture, often associated with traditional settings and rituals such as the use of incense, has also demonstrated its efficacy under controlled scientific conditions. The research team led by the author of this contribution has shown in Europe that acupuncture can be effectively studied and applied within a laboratory environment, devoid of its traditional mystique. Utilizing advanced biomedical technologies, the team has documented physiological responses to acupuncture, such as changes in blood flow, nerval activities, and brainwave patterns (Figure 1) [6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14].

Figure 1 Acupuncture in the electronics lab. © G. Litscher.

These findings underscore the universality of the principles of acupuncture, which are not confined to cultural or ritualistic practices. By demonstrating reproducible effects in scientific studies, our team and many others have successfully demystified acupuncture, paving the way for its integration into modern healthcare systems. This approach not only validates the therapeutic potential of acupuncture but also enhances its acceptance among medical professionals and patients who may approach traditional methods with skepticism.

8. Conclusion

The incorporation of artificial intelligence into acupuncture presents both opportunities and challenges. While AI can potentially augment diagnostic and therapeutic precision, the human factor—encompassing empathy, intuition, and relational engagement—remains irreplaceable, at least in some cases. By maintaining a careful balance between tradition and innovation, acupuncture can evolve into a practice that harnesses the strengths of human expertise and technological advancement, paving the way for a scientifically grounded yet profoundly humanistic approach to healing.

Author Contributions

The author did all the research work for this study.

Competing Interests

The author hereby declares that no conflict of interests exists in connection with the publication of this editorial.