Should You Try Acupuncture?

If you have a health issue that traditional Western methods have not resolved, or if you would prefer to avoid the side effects of drugs or the dangers of surgery, you may want to consider acupuncture.  

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment in which ultra-thin needles are inserted slightly below the surface of the skin.

Although this sounds barbaric to many in the Western world, it has been endorsed by a special panel of the National Institutes of Health.  According to the panel, “There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture’s value to expand its use into conventional medicine and to encourage further studies of its physiology and clinical value.”

The panel also determined there is clear evidence that acupuncture is effective for post-operative, chemotherapy and pregnancy-related nausea and vomit- ing, and for post-operative dental pain.

Other conditions for which evidence is good but further substantiation is required include: post-operative pain, myofascial and lower back pain, addiction, stroke rehabilitation, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, headache, tennis elbow,
fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps and asthma.

The panel noted the World Health Organization has identified more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture may be helpful. The panel found that one of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.

Making the Decision

First, determine your health goals.

Are you looking for a primary health care practitioner or someone who will work with your current physician?

Are you seeking short-term treatment for a specific complaint or do you want a
prevention-oriented, holistic approach to the health of mind, body and spirit that acupuncture and Oriental medicine can provide?

Do you have a work-related injury that is covered by Workers’ Compensation?

These are some of the issues you may want to consider before seeking the aid of an acupuncturist.

Treatment Procedures

Modern acupuncture needles are stainless steel, between one-half and three inches long, ultra-fine and quite flexible. They are pre-sterilized, non-toxic and disposable (single use). When the needles are tapped into the skin, there may not be any sensation. Much depends on the location (hands and feet tend to be
more sensitive), the condition being treated and the acupuncturist’s technique. Needles are typically placed in several acu-points and are usually left in about 20-40
minutes. The goal is to normalize the circulation of Qi and blood by stimulating the energy point, which encourages the body’s natural healing process. Stimulation can


The number of treatments depends upon the duration, severity and nature of your health condition. Two or three treatments may be sufficient for an acute
condition, while a series of 5 to 15 treatments may be needed to resolve chronic conditions. Some degenerative conditions may require ongoing treatments over a long period of time.

Techniques used may include: moxibustion (burning herbs to heat acupoints), cupping (suction), auricular therapy (ear acupuncture), tui na (manipulation) and
acupressure.

You should evaluate their progress after each session. Some relief should be apparent in two or three sessions, or six to eight sessions for more pervasive conditions. If you see encouraging signs, stick with it.

Ask your practitioner questions about your treatment and improvement. If your response to treatment is not satisfactory, the practitioner may consider further diagnostic exams, modify the treatment plan or refer to an appropri-
ate practitioner, if necessary.

Treatment Precautions It is not recommended to have an acupuncture treatment if you are very hungry or extremely tired. Some bruising may occasionally occur after
needling. If you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood- thinning medications, you should inform your acupuncturist before undergoing treatment.

If you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, tell the acupuncturist so that appropriate herbs and acu-points will be chosen.

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