Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique whose positive effects have been developed and used by the Chinese during the past several thousand years and recently have been confirmed by modern electromagnetic research. The acupuncturist stimulates the flow of "qi" (pronounced "chee") throughout the body to bring about balance and harmony of energy. When the qi is blocked there is pain and illness and when it flows freely they is health and balance.

The patient may feel a tingling, electrical, warm or cool feeling when the qi has been stimulated by the use of fine needles inserted just below the skin. The patient may report no feeling of qi and may even feel there has been no immediate change in their condition. It is later, usually within 24 hours, that they report being pain free or having a diminished sense of pain in their body.

One advantage of acupuncture is that in the hands of a fully trained acupunctrist there are little or no incidences of adverse effects. This is especially noticiable when compared to accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Statement said that " musculoskeletal conditions such as fibromalagia pain, tennis elbow, TMJ, low back pain and migraine are conditions for which acupuncture is beneficial." The NIH has additionally endorsed acupuncture for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, and lower back pain.Testimonials (See patient's comments.) Acupuncture has been included in the California Worker's Compensation system as a treatment modality since 1987.

Alternative Medicine in a Mainstream World

Approximately 4 in 10 Americans will use a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy this year. CAM therapies vary widely, with acupuncture, and herbal medicine being among the more prominent modalities. .

Barrett, B. 2003. Alternative, complementary, and conventional medicine: is integration upon us? Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 9(3):417-27.