Research has revealed that acupuncture can be a beneficial treatment for a variety of painful conditions, such as back or neck pain, knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, and postoperative pain. It can also help reduce joint pain caused by the use of aromatase inhibitors, which are drugs used in people with breast cancer. Acupuncture involves inserting very fine needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. This ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine is most commonly used to treat pain and is increasingly being used for overall well-being, including stress management.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that the human body has more than 2000 acupuncture points connected by pathways, or meridians. These pathways create a flow of energy (Qi, pronounced chee) through the body that is responsible for overall health. Interrupting energy flow can lead to illness. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is believed to improve the flow of Qi and, therefore, improve health.
Scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness for some conditions. Acupuncture is primarily a complementary therapy and may need to be combined with other medical treatments to help ease health problems. Led by Jeff Gould, LAc and Diplom, the Johns Hopkins Center for Integrative and Digestive Medicine offers acupuncture and other Chinese medicine treatments for a variety of conditions in Lutherville, Maryland. The World Health Organization lists 28 different conditions that are sometimes treated with acupuncture.
By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that the flow of energy will be rebalanced. As with any complementary therapy, it is advisable to use acupuncture in conjunction with conventional treatments in cases of chronic or serious conditions. Before starting treatment, ask the acupuncturist about the number of treatments needed and how much the treatments will cost. Because acupuncture rarely causes more than mild side effects, it's a possible alternative to pain relievers or steroid treatments.
Celebrities such as singers Celine Dion and Mariah Carey attributed acupuncture, used in conjunction with infertility treatments, to helping them get pregnant. While studies like this have been promising, more evidence is still needed to confirm that acupuncture is effective for carpal tunnel syndrome. To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, your doctor may ask you about your symptoms, behavior, and lifestyle. Before undergoing acupuncture to treat chronic pain or other conditions, a person should consult a primary care physician.
Physical therapists often use dry needling as part of a broader physical therapy approach that includes other treatments. Ask your acupuncturist and insurance company about coverage, including the number of treatments your plan will cover. It's important not to skip conventional medical care or rely solely on acupuncture to treat severe illness or pain. Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many conditions but should always be used in conjunction with other medical treatments when necessary.
To ensure you get the best results from your acupuncture treatment, make sure you find an experienced acupuncturist who can provide you with personalized care.
