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 places, 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, 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, meridians.
These meridians, 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 program.
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!
Richard has owned
businesses, been a COO, CEO, Director of Development, consultant,
professionally run events, consulted to thousands, conducted personal development
seminars, and worked in the natural health industry, for 4 decades. Rich has
written three books and thousands of articles.
