Some people
swear acupuncture is a cure-all for many things.
Acupuncture Facts
Acupuncture
has been used for many years, primarily in eastern culture; however, it is
gaining popularity in the west. Many
people say that acupuncture is effective in treating numerous conditions,
although experts say the jury is still out.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is
a component of the health care system of China that can be traced back at least
2,500 years. The general concept of acupuncture is based on the premise that
there are patterns of energy flow through the body that are essential for
health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease.
Acupuncture may, according to some, correct imbalances of flow at identifiable
points close to the skin.
The practice
of acupuncture to treat identifiable pathophysiological (disease) conditions in
American medicine was rare until the visit of President Richard M. Nixon to
China in 1972. Since that time, there has been an explosion of interest in the
United States and Europe in the application of the technique of acupuncture to
Western medicine.
Acupuncture is
a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical locations on or in
the skin by a variety of techniques. There are a variety of approaches to
diagnosis and treatment in American acupuncture that incorporates medical
traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The most thoroughly
studied mechanism of stimulation of acupuncture points employs penetration of
the skin by thin, solid, metallic needles, which are manipulated manually or by
electrical stimulation.
Related: What is Prader Willi Syndrome?
American standards for acupuncture needles
After
reviewing the existing body of knowledge, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) removed acupuncture needles from the category of "experimental
medical devices." The FDA now regulates acupuncture needles, just as it
does other devices such as surgical scalpels and hypodermic syringes, under
good manufacturing practices and single-use standards of sterility. Visit some countries that offer acupuncture,
and you will see, the same needles are used repeatedly, a very unhealthy
practice. Patients should also be warned
of the risk of infection. They should be
aware of any signs of irritation, and report them to their health care
provider.
Many people
say that they suffered from conditions such as chronic back pain, migraines,
PMS, depression, and several more, say that acupuncture puts an end to their
chronic condition. It would be almost
impossible to conduct a blind study of acupuncture, so the proof of it being
successful may never be acknowledged. Of
course say that to a patient that swears acupuncture has made live tolerable
again, and they will defend the technique.
The evidence leans toward acupuncture being a viable option to many problems;
however, there is no factual, scientific evidence to back it up.
Advice for Patients
If you have a
patient that is planning to give acupuncture a try, there are some
considerations that they should know prior to their first visit. Studios should come from referrals if
possible, and if not, patients should do a complete check, including reviews
and any complaints lodged. Anytime needles are involved, and the procedure is
not being conducted by medical personnel, every precaution should be taken to
protect one's safety.
Patients
that practice acupuncture should have this on their medical chart. Routine inspection of the skin can prevent infections;
also it is advisable that patients shower after a session, to ensure skin is
clean.
A Patient’s Perspective
Marilyn
suffered from irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis for many years. She tried pain medications, stomach remedies,
exercise, and according to her; you name it, she tried it. So when a friend invited her on a trip to the
Far East, Marilyn thought maybe some relaxation away from doctors and
pharmacies might do her some good.
Marilyn noticed acupuncture clinics were very common while traveling,
and after some investigating, and learning they had strict regulations and
licensing procedures, she decided to visit one.
According to Marilyn, her life would take a gigantic turn after just the
first visit. Her stomach was no longer
in knots, and she said her arthritis has improved by at least 50%. Upon returning home Marylyn found reputable
acupuncture clinics close to home, and followed up with monthly
appointments. It had been a year, and
Marilyn still swore by her decision to receive acupuncture. Whether or not it was actually what helped,
according to her, there is no doubt that acupuncture works.
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