Acupuncture - Is It For Real? - A Look Into What It Is, How It Works And Who Benefits Most

Acupuncture: the practice of inserting ultra fine needles into the body with the goal of restoring health and well-being to the mind, body and spirit. Sound like new-age hogwash to you? Well think again. It's been an excepted form of Eastern medicine for thousands of years but has just recently found its way into doctor's offices in the United States. Three years ago, the Food and Drug Administration estimated between 9 and 12 million people underwent acupuncture therapy - and the statistic is steadily climbing.



The practice of treating chronic pain with acknowledgement to the body's network of energy is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with documented theories of blood flow, pulse, and the heart 4,000 years before European medicine had even conceptualized circulation. Acupuncture treats the body as a whole, with energy forces that travel along Meridians' or special pathways. Health is influenced by this flow of energy, called Qi (pronounced chee), combined with the opposing yet inseparable forces of Yin and Yang. Insufficient Qi can disturb the body's equilibrium of Yin and Yang; the imbalance leading to pain and disease.



The stainless steel acupuncture needles restore balance by stimulating anatomical points along the body and can be accompanied by heat or electric stimuli. Acupuncture can also be complimented with other non-traditional therapies such as Acupressure, which is the basis for massage therapy.



On a more concrete level, there are several theories as to why acupuncture works. One theory is that acupuncture stimulates endorphin and serotonin levels, both of which are vital to the function the central nervous system. Another is that it raises anti-bodies such as triglycerides and white blood cells, which of course benefit the immune system.



However the most popular theory is the Gate Theory.' The body's nervous system regulates impulses, which is then interpreted as pain. Small nerve fibers, known as C' fibers are the first gate.' Once the gate is hit with too many impulses (i.e., acupuncture,) it becomes overwhelmed and shuts down. This prevents other impulses from getting through, hence you have pain relief.



Those who benefit most from acupuncture tend to be chronically ill or experience long term pain. It has also been found to be successful in cases of anxiety, depression, allergic reactions and addictions. Studies have shown good evidence that the practice is especially successful in treating nausea associated with chemotherapy, as well as chronic low back and arthritis pain. They have found moderate evidence for neck pain and headaches.



Side effects can vary and are usually not severe, mostly resulting in dizziness or light-headedness. As a treatment, acupuncture can be more accessible and affordable than conservative medicine, with less severe side effects from drugs and surgeries.



Doctors and scientists anchored in theories of Western medicine vary on their thoughts concerning acupuncture and associated studies. There are many medical professionals who argue that the studies are ill-formed, poorly designed and lack a sufficient placebo or sham acupuncture. Those who believe in its success qualify its attributes as an effective and safe therapy to use in conjunction with other therapies.



The National Institute of Health and the Office of Alternative Medicine are in general agreement with government reports that acupuncture is safe when administered by a well-trained licensed professional. For more information on acupuncture or to find a practitioner near you call the Academy of Medical Acupuncture, 1.800.521.2262.



By: Maryann Loprete