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Have you thought about trying acupuncture?
Were you afraid it might hurt, or did you wonder if it was a real treatment?
At last, acupuncture is recognized by Western medicine for treatment of a wide variety of health problems. Many health conditions including migraines, fibromyalgia, and pain can be managed and treated effectively with acupuncture.
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Does it hurt?
You might feel a slight “pinch” when the needle is inserted. The needles are sterile and disposed after use. These needles are very different from the needles used to give injections. Injection (hypodermic) needles are larger because they are hollow, which allow fluids to pass into your body. Acupuncture needles are solid and slender and are made of stainless steel. Negative side effects are rare. However, occasionally, a small bruise might appear where the needle was inserted.
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How will I feel?
Your experience will be unique, probably for each treatment. Some patients describe the sensation as heavy and relaxing. Others feel energized after acupuncture. In addition to individual physical differences, the unique experience varies according to another feature of acupuncture, which aids in the release of serotonin, a calming neurotransmitter and stress reliever - too much stress contributes to illness.
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Is acupuncture proven to work?
The researchers for the referenced studies concluded that acupuncture can relieve inflammation, which is a major contributor to numerous health problems, including heart disease and premature aging. Researchers from other studies utilizing acupuncture treatments concluded that the benefits of acupuncture included the relief and management of chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, back pain, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, and depression. Frequently, these conditions are difficult to treat with conventional medicine; acupuncture is offered as a potential alternative. As a additional benefit, individual experience can show an enhanced effect when used in combination with other medical treatments.
References
Eliasson, T., Mannheimer, C., Waagstein, F., Andersson, B., Bergh, C., Augustinsson, L., et al. (1998). Myocardial Turnover of Endogenous Opioids and Calcitonin-Gene-Related Peptide in the Human Heart and the Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation on Pacing-Induced Angina Pectoris. Cardiology, 89(3), 170-177. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.
Eshkevari, L. (2003). Acupuncture and pain: a review of the literature. AANA Journal, 71(5), 361-370. Retrieved from MEDLINE with Full Text database.
Freed, S. (1989). Acupuncture as therapy of traumatic affective disorders and of phantom limb pain syndrome. Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research, 14(2), 121-129. Retrieved from MEDLINE with Full Text database.
Mannheimer, C., Eliasson, T., Andersson, A., Bergh, C., Augustinsson, L., Emanuelsson, H., et al. (1993). Effects of spinal cord stimulation in angina pectoris induced by pacing and possible mechanisms of action. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 307(6902), 477. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.
Tsung O., C. (1998). Acupuncture Treatment for Angina. Cardiology, 90(2), 152. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.
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How many treatments will I need?
An effective treatment schedule will depend upon your medical condition, as well as your responses to acupuncture. For most chronic conditions, sixteen treatments, delivered as two treatments per week, provide better relief. Acute pain conditions might require as few as one or two treatments.
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Is acupuncture the best course of treatment for you?
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