Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one form of traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used throughout the world. In the United States, this oriental treatment was relatively rare until the early 1970s. Since then, it has grown quickly in popularity, and today, possibly a million Americans use this procedure yearly.

The Theory

Furthermore, while “causality” (meaning that process “A” leads to process “B”) is fundamental to many Western concepts, Chinese thought assumes that the world is a web-like array of many interrelated processes that cannot be viewed in isolation or in one-to-one relationships with each other.

Acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine generally, is based on a complex theory of body functioning that involves a flow of energy, or “qi”, through 14 main pathways, or “meridians”, in the body. There is also a balance of opposites known as “yin” and “yang”. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disease states are thought to be a consequence of disrupted energy flow and/or imbalances.

Attempts have been made by scientists to explain some of the pain-relieving effects of the needle treatment in Western terms. It has been hypothesized that acupuncture may work by altering the levels of chemical messengers in the body. Specifically, this unique treatment of the Chinese may release “opioids” that decrease pain. Other hypotheses propose that the procedure decreases stress or acts as a placebo. (Improvement occurs because the patient strongly believes the treatment is beneficial.)

In one study using a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), acupuncture at certain sites produced changes in brain activity. These changes, some of which occurred in pain-relevant brain regions, were present during the time in which the pain-relieving effects were present.

In the end, it may be found that multiple processes are involved in acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects—or that current Western biological concepts are insufficient to explain the processes.

The Procedure

Other methods for stimulating the skin are also used. The acupoints can also be stimulated by:

1. Finger pressure, which is known as acupressure or, in Japan, shiatsu.

2. Small heated cups placed on the points (“cupping”).
3. Electroacupuncture, which uses electrically stimulated needles.
4. “Moxibustion” in which smoldering fibers of an herb (Asian mugwort or “moxa”) are placed on the points, or used to heat needles after insertion.

Who Should Use It?

Based on research data and clinical experience, the panel concluded that acupuncture is a reasonable treatment option for stroke rehabilitation, headaches, and pain (including facial pain, low back pain, and neck pain).

Other studies suggested there were also improvements when the procedure was used to suppress anxiety, depression, dizziness, and urinary difficulties.

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Effects On The Immune System

Risks & Side Effects

Over a 20-year time period, only 216 serious complications have been reported worldwide. Serious complications, such as puncturing a lung, were associated with acupuncturists who were poorly trained.

There are other rare risks. To avoid hepatitis or AIDS, sterile disposable needles should be used. People with heart valves that are damaged or prosthetic should probably not be treated with such therapies to avoid the risk of infection. People who take blood-thinning medication (Warfarin or Coumadin ®) may occasionally experience bruising or, more rarely, bleeding complications. Electroacupuncture may produce heart rhythm abnormalities in people with pacemakers, and the fumes from moxibustion may worsen breathing in people with asthma.

Treatment With Other Asian Therapies

There are several important considerations regarding Chinese herbal medicine or, indeed, any type of herbal therapy. Chinese herbal medicine involves treatment with complex mixtures of many different herbs. There may be significant variability in the quality and composition of these preparations. Some chemical compounds in the herbs may be toxic or may interact with prescription medications.

Asian patent medicine is a form of herbal medicine that typically includes herbs along with minerals and animal parts. Several studies indicate that Asian patent medicine may contain toxic ingredients. One study found that approximately one-third of these preparations contained Western prescription drugs (including diazepam [Valium ®], steroids, and prescription asthma medications). Dangerous metals, including arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium, have also been found.

While acupuncture is very low risk when properly performed, there are many uncertainties and some clear risks associated with Chinese herbal medicine. Asian patent medicine, should be avoided due to the possible presence of toxic contaminants.

Conclusion

If this Asian method of Chinese origin is used, it should only be used in addition to conventional medicine, in consultation with your physician or other licensed health-care professional.





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