Acupuncture originated as a technique used in traditional Chinese medicine to balance the flow of energy and life. It is believed to rebalance the flow throughout different parts of the body upon inserting the needle into specific points. Each point corresponds to a specific function to regulate the energy, otherwise known as “qi”. It is used as a nonpharmacological treatment for many diseases and symptoms. However, there aren’t many randomized controlled trials that have shown large quantities of efficacy. Some treatments include nausea, pain, arthritis, asthma, mood disorders, PMS, and even smoking cessation.
Sterile needles are gently inserted into specific points in the body known as acupoints. Patients remain relaxed and still for 20-90 minutes. Many sessions provide calm and quiet environments to further relax patients to obtain the best results. Due to its psychological role in therapy, it is encouraged rather than advised against, as positive feedback has been seen among consumers and patients. As stated by Paul Kempisty, “Acupuncture is a minimally invasive method to stimulate nerve-rich areas of the skin surface in order to influence tissues, glands, organs, and various functions of the body.” The creation of this tiny injury initiates a healing process, stimulating blood flow and managing pain. Unfortunately, patients with bleeding disorders, pacemakers, and who are pregnant, are advised against acupuncture due to bruising, interfering with the pacemaker’s operation due to electrical pulses, and stimulating labor, respectively. It’s best to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Although many clinics claim to show holistic benefits for a variety of symptoms and diseases, there is limited evidence in cases of acne, insomnia, infertility, schizophrenia, and alcoholism. There have not been cases supporting acupuncture as a cure, but rather as an adjunctive treatment. With acupuncture on the rise as a holistic treatment for balancing one’s “qi”, costs can range from $60 to $150 depending on the location. Insurances are unlikely to cover this treatment, however, certain medical centers may still accept insurance. As an alternative to patients and consumers who cannot afford or access such treatments, at-home acupressure is recommended. This is commonly done for patients with menstrual cramps, insomnia, back pain, and headaches. For example, for menstrual cramping patients, it is advised to massage the inner ankle. Additionally, to suppress the feeling of nausea, it is recommended to gently massage the area between one’s thumb and pointer. With its side effect profile, acupuncture should be considered as a treatment method for people who are unable to find pain or symptom control.
Acupuncture originated as a technique used in traditional Chinese medicine to balance the flow of energy and life. It is believed to rebalance the flow throughout different parts of the body upon inserting the needle into specific points. Each point corresponds to a specific function to regulate the energy, otherwise known as “qi”. It is used as a nonpharmacological treatment for many diseases and symptoms. However, there aren’t many randomized controlled trials that have shown large quantities of efficacy. Some treatments include nausea, pain, arthritis, asthma, mood disorders, PMS, and even smoking cessation.
Sterile needles are gently inserted into specific points in the body known as acupoints. Patients remain relaxed and still for 20-90 minutes. Many sessions provide calm and quiet environments to further relax patients to obtain the best results. Due to its psychological role in therapy, it is encouraged rather than advised against, as positive feedback has been seen among consumers and patients. As stated by Paul Kempisty, “Acupuncture is a minimally invasive method to stimulate nerve-rich areas of the skin surface in order to influence tissues, glands, organs, and various functions of the body.” The creation of this tiny injury initiates a healing process, stimulating blood flow and managing pain. Unfortunately, patients with bleeding disorders, pacemakers, and who are pregnant, are advised against acupuncture due to bruising, interfering with the pacemaker’s operation due to electrical pulses, and stimulating labor, respectively. It’s best to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Although many clinics claim to show holistic benefits for a variety of symptoms and diseases, there is limited evidence in cases of acne, insomnia, infertility, schizophrenia, and alcoholism. There have not been cases supporting acupuncture as a cure, but rather as an adjunctive treatment. With acupuncture on the rise as a holistic treatment for balancing one’s “qi”, costs can range from $60 to $150 depending on the location. Insurances are unlikely to cover this treatment, however, certain medical centers may still accept insurance. As an alternative to patients and consumers who cannot afford or access such treatments, at-home acupressure is recommended. This is commonly done for patients with menstrual cramps, insomnia, back pain, and headaches. For example, for menstrual cramping patients, it is advised to massage the inner ankle. Additionally, to suppress the feeling of nausea, it is recommended to gently massage the area between one’s thumb and pointer. With its side effect profile, acupuncture should be considered as a treatment method for people who are unable to find pain or symptom control.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532287/
https://www.healthline.com/health/acupuncture-how-does-it-work-scientifically#how-does-it-work
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8991130/