Can Acupuncture Really Help?
We’ve heard of acupuncture, and seen pictures and videos of it. But what is it really? How does is work? Can this ancient Chinese medical practice help you?
According to certified acupuncturist John M. Porter, “Acupuncture is an Eastern medical method of stimulating the body, its systems, and the mind into a state of synergistic balance.
“It is based on the premise that the synergy of all integrative components of life yields a greater state of wellness than that which can be achieved by treating those components in an individual manner,” adds Porter.
Often used as an adjunct to other modern and medical advances, acupuncture can relieve pain associated with certain medical issues. Conditions such as stroke rehabilitation, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, dental pain, and labor pain are common ailments treated using acupuncture, according to WebMD.
But that’s not all.
K. Shane Haggard, a certified acupuncturist, says the World Health Organization has identified numerous conditions that can benefit from acupuncture, including infertility, indigestion, insomnia, and the common cold.
Several types of therapy address the varying conditions –and balance is the focus of them all, Haggard says
“Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles in the body to influence the physiological functioning of the body,” he explains. “One is not better than another; it is just a different way to achieve balance within the body. Balance is always the focus with Chinese medicine.”
It is lack of balance that often leads to sickness and disease. Although the exact mechanisms of acupuncture are unknown, it is believed that the stimulation of points of low electrical resistance along the energetic pathways of the body stimulates the brain to respond to certain current states of unwellness.
Success with acupuncture can take time. Most people will have some response within four to six treatments. Usually there is a brief period of relief followed by the condition returning during the initial phase of treatment. As the body balances and returns to a normal state of functioning, the treatments hold longer, resulting in a discontinuation of the treatments.
The number of treatments largely depends upon the individual. Some patients respond more quickly, and some respond slower, as they may be with any kind of medical treatment.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), acupuncture may be covered by insurance. NCCAM advises patients to check with their insurers before starting treatment to determine if acupuncture is covered for their specific condition.
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deep blue | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
Very well said. Acupuncture is my choice if given the option. I could no more bear my system to be a dumping ground of chemicals to cure a symptom and trigger another ailment.
Papa Sparks | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
Yes, it can. I have had acupuncture many times in South Korea. I believe in a lot of Oriental Medicine.
simplyoj | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the info, haven’t tried that but I want to try it in the future.
Kairos | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
Hi athena. I resorted to acupuncture when i had severe UTI and it really helps. It is also another way of birth control.
Yovita Siswati | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
I tried accupunture and I think it works, at least for me.
bethenya | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
Haven\’t tried acupuncture but I think it\’s time to have one.
Thanks for the information.
There is this other article which is line to that….
http://hubpages.com/hub/Acupuncture-Can-an-Ancient-Technique-Reduce-Pain
chitragopi | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
Information I was looking for. Thanks.
mary | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
Acupuncture is helpful for many people–I just think it takes an understanding of whole body systems and a belief in the idea that the body functions as a whole.
You can find acupuncturists in your area at http://wellnesscenters.com/states/acupuncture-specialist-1
Guy Hogan | Dec 5, 2009 | Reply
I’m a skeptic by nature. It may work but I’m not convinced.
Petalm | Dec 6, 2009 | Reply
I think it works for most things.
Ruby Hawk | Dec 6, 2009 | Reply
Some people claim it does help.
Frances Lawrence | Dec 6, 2009 | Reply
I have had acupuncture. It was done by my regular doctor who was also qualified in acupuncture, I had no belief in it at all, but it worked! I was really shocked.
strovek | Dec 6, 2009 | Reply
Acupuncture is great only concern is hygiene – with so many diseases out there, who know where those needles have been.
Luckily there are some who use disposable needles.
Borneon | Dec 6, 2009 | Reply
It’s really famous here from where I come from. It can quite effective although I never tried it before.
Snooky | Dec 6, 2009 | Reply
Touchy subject, thanks for expanding on it, I’ve often woundered about acupuncture and its effectiveness.
giftarist | Dec 6, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for sharing this info..I might as well try this one!
Netty net | Dec 6, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the inform,
acupuncturist in london | Dec 7, 2009 | Reply
Acupuncture really help peoples to recharge their body and eradicate the problems. However it should be proper and before taking this you should consult with an expert. In this case London acupuncturist will help you better because they really do it better than most of the peoples in the business.
SharifaMcFarlane | Dec 9, 2009 | Reply
How do they clean the needles?
athena goodlight | Dec 10, 2009 | Reply
Sharifa: Needles are your personal belongings. You may buy your own set at the acupuncture center.