By Richard Brody
Although a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, the vast majority of Americans know little about how acupuncture works, and its effectiveness for many health issues and challenges. This is a form of alternative medicine, where very thin needles are placed strategically into various parts of the body. Although it is not based on the basics of traditional medicine, advocates often point to many successes individuals have experienced for many years. Although initially used to treat certain types of pain, it is often used today for a variety of other alternative purposes and uses. Traditional Chinese Medicine explains that health is obtained by balancing the extremes, referred to as yin and yang, as a component of a life force referred to as qi or chi.
1. How does it work?: The theory is, these life forces flow via so - called meridiens. These meridiens and/ or energy flows flow from approximately 350 acupuncture points in the human body. Although there is no known and distributed/ published scientific studies/ proof that these points exist, or are important, there is a large body of work and clinical evidence which indicates it is helpful for certain conditions, etc.
2. Potential uses: Studies at a variety of institutions (including Mayo Clinic etc) and in China and Germany etc, have shown there appears to be considerable evidence of effectiveness in certain instances. Many proclaim it is great at addressing certain headaches including migraines. There has been clinical evidence it is helpful in addressing lower - back pain, neck pain, knee pains, and even symptoms of osteoarthritis. Over 15 years ago the World Health Organization (WHO) listed several conditions/ situations where they claim acupuncture has proven effective. These include: blood pressure (both, high and low); dental pain; arthritis (both, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid); facial pains and discomforts; sciatica; certain other health risks. In addition, they stated it had the potential to be useful in assisting with other ailments, including perhaps dementia, Tourette syndrome, fibromyalgia, etc.
3. Potential risks: Even the safest techniques may have potential risks. Acupuncture should only be, and may only legally be, administered by a licensed health practitioner, trained in this technique. Some potential risks are: patients with bleeding disorders, or taking blood thinners; possibility of bleeding, and/ or bruising at insertion points; unsterilized needles (although acupuncture needles are regulated as medical devices, and should be used only for single - use); and placed incorrectly, or too deeply. However, acupuncture has generally been considered safe.
4. Caveat: Like most alternative approaches, acupuncture should be used alongside traditional medical treatments. Be certain you are otherwise healthy, and your pain/ discomfort is not from something potentially life - threatening. Discuss thoroughly before beginning therapy.
5. My personal experience: In the early to mid - 1970's, I had the privilege of witnessing extensive oral surgery performed exclusively using acupuncture for pain relief, successfully. About a decade later, after I had a tooth extracted, I was suffering from trisma (often referred to as lockjaw), and, after a few days, had an acupuncturist perform a 30 minute treatment and thoroughly, permanently eliminate the condition. For the last few years, I have, on a regular basis, used the services of an acupuncturist to help address the chronic symptoms/ ailments of shoulder pain, arthritis (osteoarthritis), lower back pain, and aches in my knees. From my personal experience, I enthusiastically suggest it, as part of an overall wellness programme.
The more you know, the better, you'll be. Read, learn, understand, and open your mind to the possible benefits and uses of acupuncture. I strongly feel you will be glad you did!
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