Acupuncture Articles

Acupuncture - Person or Pin Cushion?

M. Ben Aria

Fads can be found everywhere, and all one has to do to see the latest, greatest thing that will improve some area of our life is to turn on the television. Surely, some advertisement will soon blare on, showing the benefits of space-aged oven mitts or the latest exercise trend. Even medication is being promoted on television and individuals are bombarded with the benefits of the latest cure-all. There is one alternative to aches and pains, however, that isn't a passing fad at all.

Acupuncture is the study of Qi (pronounced chee) and how it flows through the body. It is supposedly this energy or life force that is in everything around us. A person cannot see it; they cannot touch it; they cannot taste it. How can we even be certain that Qi exists? When this energy becomes blocked in the body, it is because of poor diet, injury, or some other sort of trauma, and an acupuncturist can release the energy's flow. The acupuncturist does an initial interview just like a regular doctor, and then proceeds to poke around with lots and lots of long, thin, solid needles before working them around so that the Qi becomes unblocked. After acupuncture, there should be no more pain. Does it sound too good to be true?

Yes. Acupuncture is not a miracle cure and, in fact, has not been able to be accurately tested in trial studies. It does not work for everyone, and if a person is that unlucky one that it does not work for, the Qi stays blocked. Anyone know a plumber?

Alternative medicines and health-care products on the market do not necessarily have governmental regulation or are only limited by loose conditions. Acupuncture shouldn't replace regular visits to your family doctor, but they can be considered a supplement that may help provide relief. The practice of acupuncture is governmentally regulated for professionalism and sterility, so the technique is relatively safe, as acupuncturists must be licensed and respond to certain criteria.

The practice of acupuncture has a solid, two-thousand year track record showing that the technique is very beneficial to people's health. However, it isn't a miracle cure and in some studies, the placebo has shown to be just as effective as acupuncture sessions, which demonstrates that sometimes, it is only a question of mind-over-matter when we're looking to feel better. Still, acupuncture is worth a try if you suffer and can't find relief, but don't place full faith in the practice. Make sure that the office you visit is clean and seems both safe and sterile, and you should also feel comfortable with the acupuncturist. Use common sense and a dose of willingness to chose a good, reputable acupuncturist and see if the technique doesn't provide you pain relief soon.

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DISCLAIMER:

This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.

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