An introduction to acupuncture
It is quite common these days to hear about people turning to acupuncture as a last resort for relief from chronic health problems. A few years ago, the Food and Drug Administration estimated that 9 to 12 million acupuncture treatments were being performed annually, and this estimate is surely much higher now.
Acupuncture was developed by the Chinese and has been in use for more than 3000 years. The practice is part of a larger integrated system, the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system. Simply put, acupuncture is performed by stimulating designated points on the body—through the insertion of needles, finger pressure, the application of heat, or a combination of all these treatments. These points, mapped by the Chinese during the past several thousand years, have been confirmed by current electromagnetic research. Needles used in acupuncture activate small nerve fibers in the muscle, which transmit impulses to the spinal cord and activate centers in the central nervous system, releasing a variety of neurotransmitters. Pain relief, for example, is mediated by the release of opioid-like substances. Although much still needs to be learned, the emergence of biological plausibility for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture is certainly encouraging.
Acupuncture is done with extremely thin, flexible needles made of steel metal alloy. There is often a brief pricking sensation when the needle passes through the skin. As the needle begins to work and effects begin to occur, the patient may feel numbness, heat, dull aching or a tingling sensation in the vicinity of the needle insertion. Generally, the needles are left in place for about 15 to 30 minutes. They may be rotated by the practitioner or stimulated by electricity or heat. Most side effects associated with acupuncture are minor and transient. They include occasional dizziness, light-headedness, and very slight bleeding after needles are withdrawn. Patients should always insist that the acupuncturist use sterile and disposable needles to avoid the risk of infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B and AIDS.
Acupunture is gaining a reputation for efficacy, and as an attractive drug- and surgery-free option for many patients. Conventional healthcare providers are beginning to view acupuncture as an effective complementary modality to conventional care, and its use is being recommended more and more. An extensive review of studies has shown that acupuncture is effective for the following conditions:
- Pain. Examples of pain producing conditions that respond favorably to acupuncture include arthritis, myofascial pain syndrome, dental pain, neck and low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
- Headache and migraines.
- Nausea associated with chemotherapy.
- Substance abuse problems, such as those related to cocaine, heroine and nicotine.
- Menopause and PMS related symptoms.
- Asthma and allergies.
- Stroke.
