While acupuncture is considered an "alternative" treatment in the United
States, it has been used in mainstream medicine in China for thousands of years.
The treatment is based on the philosophy that there is a life force or energy
called qi (pronounced "chee") that flows through channels in our bodies.
Each channel connects to one or several organs that govern bodily functions. It
is believed that illness results when the normal flow of qi is disturbed. In
acupuncture, thin stainless steel needles are inserted at various points in the
body in order to unblock or rebalance the flow of qi.
Qi is clearly not a concept rooted in Western science; however, acupuncture
has been clinically shown to be effective for pain relief and for easing the
nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy or post-surgery. It has also
shown potential benefits as part of a treatment plan for a variety of other
conditions, including:
- gastrointestinal disturbances, such as constipation, diarrhea, and
spastic colon
- muscular ailments, such as facial tics and tennis elbow
- nerve ailments, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica
- bone and joint ailments, such as osteoarthritis and
tendinitis
- respiratory ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis
- female reproductive system ailments, such as irregular periods,
menstrual cramps, and menopausal symptoms
- other conditions, such as addiction, headaches, sinusitis, stroke
rehabilitation, and urinary problems
A typical visit to an acupuncturist involves answering questions about your
health. The acupuncturist will also want to check your pulse (possibly at
several points) and have a close look at your tongue. He or she may note your
skin's color and texture, your posture, and other physical characteristics that
offer clues to your health. You will then be asked to lie still on a padded
examining table while the acupuncturist inserts needles into various points of
your body. You may not feel anything—at most you will
feel a twitch or a twinge of pain that will quickly subside. Once the needles
are in place, the acupuncturist may gently manipulate the needles or will leave
you to rest for 30 to 60 minutes. You will probably feel very relaxed, and may
even nod off for a bit (this is fine as long as you don't roll over). At the end
of the session, the practitioner will quickly and painlessly remove the
needles.
To treat certain health conditions, acupuncture may be more effective if the
needles are warm. The acupuncturist achieves this by lighting a small bunch of
dried mugwort herb and holding it above the needles (the burning herb
never touches the body). This technique is called moxibustion. Another way to
heat the needles involves attaching electrical wires to the needles and running
a weak current through them. You may feel a mild tingling sensation with this
method.
The number of acupuncture treatments recommended by your acupuncturist will
depend on the nature of your illness and your overall health. For example, you
may need just one treatment for a sprained ankle but weekly or bi-weekly
treatments over several months for a chronic illness. The first visit usually
costs between $60 and $110; follow-up visits run $30 to $80. An increasing
number of insurance companies now cover some level of acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture can be safely combined with prescription drugs and other
conventional treatments. It's important, however, for your primary healthcare
provider to know about the acupuncture you are receiving in order to monitor the
treatment. Some acupuncturists may decline to treat women who are pregnant.
For a list of certified acupuncture practitioners, look on the Web at
www.nccaom.org (or send $3 check or money order to the National Certification
Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, 11 Canal Center Plaza, Suite
300, Alexandria, VA 22314). You can also get a list of physicians in your area
who perform acupuncture by calling the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
at 1-800-521-2262.
