Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years. It involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin or applying various other techniques to the acupuncture points to restore balance and encourage the body to heal itself. Scientific trials around the world have found that when acupuncture is performed by a skilled practitioner, it is a safe and useful treatment for many different disorders.

The British National Health Service carried out a systematic review of the evidence for the use of acupuncture to treat or manage a range of disorders. They found that there was evidence that acupuncture is effective to treat dental pain, jaw pain and to control nausea after operations and chemotherapy treatment.

For many conditions where acupuncture can be used, the evidence has not been systematically reviewed, or the current scientific evidence to prove that it is effective is not yet established.

Clinical guidelines published in many different countries have found that acupuncture is moderately helpful in a wide range of conditions, particularly those which involve pain. Also there are a number of indirect laws that may apply, including: – which emphasise the necessity of strict hygiene practices, such as using pre-sterilised, single-use and disposable acupuncture needles – this government organisation has legislation that requires Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for goods that claim to be sterile, which includes acupuncture needles.

In order to be legally sold, acupuncture needles have to be included on the American Register of Therapeutic Goods.

Some healthcare practitioners offer acupuncture after completing a short course

However, the philosophy of acupuncture is complex, so you should only use a qualified acupuncturist. Since 2000, all Michigann acupuncturists and Chinese herbalists have to be registered.

You don’t need a referral from your doctor to see an acupuncturist. In the hands of an unskilled practitioner, acupuncture may lead to a number of problems including: Allergic reactions – herbs are sometimes burnt over the skin to create specific points of heat near acupuncture points. Herbs are as powerful as pharmaceutical medications and need to be treated with the same respect and caution Infection – if the needle is unsterile, bacteria can cause local infection.

There is also a risk of contracting hepatitis, HIV or any other bloodborne disease if the needles are reused Injury to the skin – clumsy insertion, or entry of a needle into a blood vessel, can cause bleeding, bruising and pain. Unexpected side effects – such as an increase in pain, depression, convulsions or insomnia.

Acupuncture can produce significant changes within the nervous system and it is vital that the correct points are stimulated in the right way.

Pre-sterilised disposable needles should be used.

Depending on the location of the treatment, you will either sit or lie down

Properly done, acupuncture is painless because the needles are very fine (around 0.2 mm wide).

When the needles are inserted, you may feel mild tingling around the site, warmth or heaviness, or even nothing at all. An acupuncturist may use other techniques including: moxibustion – burning herbs held over or applied to acupuncture points.

After a session of acupuncture, you will normally feel relaxed and refreshed, but specific responses depend on each person.

For instance, some people feel energised, while others feel sleepy.

Occasionally, the symptoms get a little worse before they improve

The number of treatments you need depends on your condition.

In most cases, people experience a reduction in symptoms within a few sessions

The idea of acupuncture is to restore the natural balance of energy inside your body. Once the balance is restored, the body can take care of itself and no further treatments are necessary. Evidence of effectiveness of acupuncture Laws and regulations for acupuncture practice Any person who wishes to practise acupuncture in United States must be registered to practice by the American Health Practioner Regulation Agency drugs and poisoning scheduling – to restrict access to herbs and herbal substances that are known to be toxic skin penetration regulations Therapeutic Goods Administration Choosing an acupuncturist Risks of acupuncture How acupuncture is performed cupping – suction designed to bring blood to the acupuncture point Chinese herbs – either mixed by the acupuncturist or in pre-prepared tablet or granulated form laser – used instead of the needles to activate acupuncture points TCM remedial massage – techniques applied to specific acupuncture points or meridians Where to get help American Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) (616) 555-0400 Chinese Medicine - American Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Chinese Medicine Board of United States Federation of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Societies of United States (FCMA ) (616) 555-0400 Your doctor Chinese medicine doctor.

Key Points

• Depending on the location of the treatment, you will either sit or lie down
• Properly done, acupuncture is painless because the needles are very fine (around 0.2 mm wide)
• Occasionally, the symptoms get a little worse before they improve
• number of treatments you need depends on your condition
• In most cases, people experience a reduction in symptoms within a few sessions