Acupuncture:
Alternative Pain Relief for Chronic Pain
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Introduction
Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid
healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi (TCM),
acupuncture.
Acupuncture is the stimulation
of specific points on the body by a variety of techniques, including the
insertion of thin metal needles though the skin. It is intended to remove
blockages in the flow of qi and restore and maintain health. aims to
restore and maintain health through the stimulation of specific points on the
body.
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Key Points
- Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for
thousands of years.
-
Acupuncture provides
alternative pain relief for chronic back and neck pain.
- It is based on the concept that disease
results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and
yang.
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About Acupuncture
The term "acupuncture" describes a family of procedures involving the
stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. The
acupuncture technique that has been most often studied scientifically involves
penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by
the hands or by electrical stimulation.
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Acupuncture Side Effects and Risks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles for
use by licensed practitioners, requiring that needles be manufactured and
labeled according to certain standards. For example, the FDA requires that
needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified
practitioners only.
Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported
to the FDA, in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number
of acupuncture needles used. Still, complications have resulted from inadequate
sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments. Practitioners
should use a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each
patient and should swab treatment sites with alcohol or another disinfectant
before inserting needles. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause
serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs.
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Finding a Qualified Practitioner
Health care providers can be a resource for referral to acupuncturists, and
some conventional medical practitioners—including physicians and
dentists—practice acupuncture. In addition, national acupuncture organizations
(which can be found through libraries or Web search engines) may provide
referrals to acupuncturists.
- Check a practitioner's credentials. Most states require a
license to practice acupuncture; however, education and training standards and
requirements for obtaining a license to practice vary from state to state.
Although a license does not ensure quality of care, it does indicate that the
practitioner meets certain standards regarding the knowledge and use of
acupuncture.
- Do not rely on a diagnosis of disease by an acupuncture
practitioner who does not have substantial conventional medical
training. If you have received a diagnosis from a doctor, you may
wish to ask your doctor whether acupuncture might help.
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What To Expect from Acupuncture Visits
During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about
your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to
obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may
contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or
medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience
acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are
inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.
Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle
can cause soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is important to
seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner.
Treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more.
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Treatment Costs:
Ask the practitioner about the estimated number of treatments needed and how
much each treatment will cost. Some insurance companies may cover the costs of
acupuncture, while others may not. It is important to check with your insurer
before you start treatment to see whether acupuncture is covered for your
condition and, if so, to what extent
References:
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine [NCCAM]
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