Dianetics vs. Acupuncture: An Evidence-Based Comparison

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique that has been practiced for over 2,500 years. It involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on your body to balance the flow of energy (called "qi" or "chi"). According to TCM theory, when your energy is blocked or imbalanced, you experience physical or mental health problems.

In South Africa, acupuncture is offered by registered acupuncturists, some physiotherapists, and TCM practitioners. Sessions typically cost around R800 per session. For mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, practitioners usually recommend 10-12 sessions initially, with maintenance sessions every 4-6 weeks.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

During an acupuncture session, the practitioner inserts very thin, sterile needles (about the thickness of a hair) into specific points on your body. These points are chosen based on TCM principles to balance your energy flow. The needles are left in place for 20-30 minutes while you relax.

Most people report feeling little to no pain during needle insertion—some describe a slight tingling or dull ache. Many people find the experience deeply relaxing and even fall asleep during treatment.

What Happens in a Typical Session?

• Initial consultation: The practitioner asks about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle
• Diagnosis: They may check your pulse and tongue (traditional TCM diagnostic methods)
• Needle insertion: Thin needles are inserted at specific points on your body
• Rest period: You relax for 20-30 minutes while the needles work
• Needle removal: The practitioner removes the needles and may provide lifestyle advice

A typical course of acupuncture for mental health involves 10-12 sessions over several weeks, with each session lasting 45-60 minutes.

What is Dianetics?

Dianetics is a set of ideas and practices developed by L. Ron Hubbard in 1950 and detailed in his book "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health". According to Dianetics, your mind has two parts: the analytical mind (rational, conscious) and the reactive mind (stores painful memories and trauma). These painful memories, called "engrams," are said to cause mental distress, anxiety, depression, and other problems.

Dianetics uses a process called "auditing" to locate and remove these engrams. During auditing, you work with a trained auditor who asks you questions while you hold two metal cylinders connected to an E-meter (a device that measures electrical resistance in your body). The goal is to find and process traumatic memories until they no longer affect you.

Unlike acupuncture, which manages symptoms, Dianetics claims to permanently remove the source of your mental distress. The cost is significantly higher—typically varies based on individual needs for a complete course of auditing—but proponents say it's a one-time investment with permanent results.

Comparing Acupuncture and Dianetics

Scientific Evidence for Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been studied extensively for various mental health conditions. Here's what the research says:

For Depression

A 2018 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine reviewed 64 randomized controlled trials with 7,104 participants. The researchers found that acupuncture showed effect sizes ranging from 0.41 to 0.84 for depression, indicating moderate to large treatment effects. However, they noted that acupuncture was most effective when combined with antidepressant medication or psychotherapy.

For Anxiety

A 2018 systematic review published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine analyzed multiple studies on acupuncture for anxiety. The researchers found that acupuncture reduced anxiety symptoms with an effect size of -0.41 (moderate effect). They concluded that acupuncture may be a useful adjunct treatment for anxiety disorders, though more high-quality research is needed.

For Chronic Pain

Acupuncture has strong evidence for managing chronic pain conditions. Multiple large-scale studies show it can reduce pain intensity for conditions like back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and headaches. This is one of the most well-established uses of acupuncture in modern medicine.

Cost Comparison

Cost is an important factor when choosing a mental health treatment. Here's how acupuncture and Dianetics compare:

Acupuncture Costs in South Africa

• Per session: Around R800
• Initial course: 10-12 sessions = R8,000-R9,600 total
• Maintenance: Every 4-6 weeks (R800 per session)
• Annual cost: R8,000-R17,600 (including maintenance)
• Medical aid: Some schemes cover acupuncture under complementary medicine benefits

Dianetics Costs in South Africa

• Initial book: R300-R500 (Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health)
• Auditing sessions: varies based on individual needs (contact for pricing or see the Professional Dianetics Auditor directory)
• Duration: Varies by individual (weeks to months)
• Maintenance: None claimed—results said to be permanent
• Medical aid: Not covered by medical schemes

Acupuncture is cheaper upfront but requires ongoing maintenance. Over 5 years, acupuncture could cost R40,000-R88,000 (including maintenance), while Dianetics is a one-time investment of varies based on individual needs with claimed permanent results.

Which Approach is Right for You?

The choice between acupuncture and Dianetics depends on your goals, budget, and preference for evidence-based vs. anecdotal approaches.

Choose Acupuncture If:

• You want a treatment with scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness
• You prefer a lower upfront cost (R8,000-R9,600)
• You're comfortable with symptom management and ongoing maintenance
• You want a treatment accepted by many medical professionals
• Your medical aid may cover some of the costs
• You're interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy

Choose Dianetics If:

• You want to address the root cause of your mental distress, not just symptoms
• You're willing to invest varies based on individual needs upfront for claimed permanent results
• You're comfortable with a treatment based on anecdotal success stories
• You want a finite process with a clear endpoint, not ongoing maintenance
• You're looking for an alternative to medication and traditional therapy

Next Steps

If you're interested in exploring acupuncture, look for a registered acupuncturist or TCM practitioner in your area. If you're curious about Dianetics, start by reading the book and visiting a local Dianetics center to learn more.

If you're interested in trying Dianetics alongside or instead of acupuncture, order the book online for R400 with free shipping to all South African provinces. The book provides the complete methodology for addressing mental and psychosomatic conditions.

Professional Dianetics auditing is also available if you prefer working with a trained practitioner.

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Written by

Tony Peacock

Humanitarian & Mental Health Research Advocate

Published: 2024 • Updated: November 2025

Tony is an Australian who moved to South Africa and made it his home. At 25, he overcame drug and alcohol addiction through Dianetics after trying alternative healing approaches. He served as Church staff in Australia for 12 years before moving to SA in 2022. As a humanitarian and philanthropist, he has made significant contributions to mental health infrastructure across Southern Africa. His mission: help the able become more able using technology that makes people causative.