The Growth Of Health Misinformation

If I could choose the Merriam-Webster Word of the Year, mine would be discern. In an age where so much information — and misinformation — is at our fingertips, the ability to discern what makes sense and what does not is a skill worth cultivating and instilling in our youth. However, discernment becomes far more challenging when the information presented is new and we lack foundational knowledge on the subject. Acupuncture is a perfect example of this.

Incorrect locations of acupuncture points.

Recently, this image appeared while I was scrolling Facebook, and it immediately raised alarm for several reasons. Most concerning is that the acupressure points illustrated are not accurately located. GV 14 is the closest, yet it appears to be placed 2–3 vertebrae too high. BL 13 does not have two locations on the spine — in fact, it is not located on the spine at all. The same is true for BL 23 and BL 25.

While these points, when treated at their proper locations, may be considered in addressing back pain, back pain itself can stem from many different causes. Reducing something so nuanced into a simplified social media illustration purporting to offer a universal solution is not only misleading, but potentially harmful — and a powerful reminder of why discernment matters.

Let's look at another example. This image also popped up as I scrolled Facebook.

Incorrect locations of acupuncture points.

LU 1 is not located on the throat. It is found on the lateral side of the chest, closer to the shoulder. LU 7 is located on the wrist, not in the center of the chest.

What’s especially concerning is that unless someone is an acupuncturist — or at the very least a first-year student of acupuncture — it’s completely understandable that they wouldn’t know how to discern whether this image is accurate, inaccurate, or potentially harmful. And that leads to an even bigger question: unless one understands the basics of anatomy, physiology, and health, how can anyone truly discern the validity of what is being shared online?

It’s a scary question, but the answer is quite simple: trust the experts — in this case, a licensed acupuncturist.

But when it comes to health information beyond acupuncture, how does one determine what’s true? A good place to start is by relying on tried-and-true sources. My favorite resource for anything related to Western medicine is the Cleveland Clinic. Their website offers clear, easy-to-read information on a wide range of health conditions. I’ve found the simplest way to access this information is to Google the condition you’re researching followed by “Cleveland Clinic.” More often than not, the first result leads directly to their in-depth article.

As for images or videos showing acupressure points, stretches, supplements, exercises, massage techniques, or other health-related content, keep in mind that there is a strong chance the primary goal of these posts is to generate sales or grow a following — and with that, compensation. When that’s the case, accuracy may not be the top priority.

If you’re exploring natural tools to help you feel better, your safest and most reliable option is to consult a licensed provider.