Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing that dates back more than 2,000 years. Acupuncture treatment is based on the theory that energy flow patterns through the body, known as Qi (pronounced "chee"), are essential for health. Through acupuncture, specific areas close to the skin (acupuncture points) are stimulated to correct imbalances and disruptions in energy flow. Stimulating these acupuncture points with hair-thin needles is the most well-known approach to acupuncture treatment.


Purpose
Acupuncture is used to treat illness and relieve pain.

Indications
Studies to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture are limited. According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture has been shown to be useful as an additional or alternative treatment for the following conditions:
vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy
nausea during pregnancy
pain after dental surgery
postoperative pain
low back pain
pain in the muscles that control jaw movements, as well as neck and shoulder muscles
Positive results from some clinical trials also suggest acupuncture may be helpful for other conditions, including:

headaches
stroke rehabilitation
asthma
alcohol, tobacco and drug addictions
tennis elbow
menstrual cramps
osteoarthritis (a condition that causes progressive breakdown of the joints)
carpal tunnel syndrome (a condition that develops when certain nerves in the wrist become inflamed and swollen)
fibromyalgia (a condition that's characterized by chronic pain in the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints)

Patient preparation
No special preparation is necessary, but it's a good idea to discuss your treatment goals with the acupuncturist in advance. If you're not satisfied with your response to treatment after a few weeks, you may need to reconsider your treatment options. Not everyone responds to acupuncture therapy. Keep in mind that acupuncture may not be recommended in some cases, such as head injuries, slipped disks or unstable joints.

Procedure
Acupuncture needles are made of solid stainless steel. The practitioner will begin by inserting a series of fine needles into your skin along a series of lines or channels called meridians, which are thought to be connected to specific organ systems. They're generally inserted about ¼ inch and left in place for 20 to 30 minutes. You may be sore, numb or feel a "pins and needles" sensation. To get the desired response, the practitioner may twirl the needles or use electroacupuncture, in which a small amount of electric power is attached to the needles after they're placed in your skin.

Postprocedure care
No specific care is necessary, but it's wise to observe the puncture sites for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain or fever. Report any new symptoms or lack of improvement to the practitioner.

Benefits
Compared with drugs and medical therapies, acupuncture has a smaller risk of complications or side effects.

Risks
For most health professionals, the biggest concern is that people may delay seeking necessary medical attention by relying solely on acupuncture treatments. Possible complications of acupuncture may include:
tissue injury
infection
increased pain
peripheral nerve injury
pneumothorax (a condition in which the lungs have an air leak into the chest cavity that may cause the lungs to collapse)

Considerations
With certain medical conditions, such as asthma or addiction, acupuncture should only be used as part of a comprehensive management program.
Although acupuncture is described by some as having a firm scientific foundation, substantial clinical studies are still needed to prove its effectiveness. If you're considering acupuncture, ask your practitioner if he or she uses sterile, disposable needles, according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directives. This is a must! Also ask about your practitioner's qualifications.

Keep in mind that medical policy coverage for acupuncture may differ. Call your insurance carrier for benefits information before acupuncture treatment.


Legal issues
Laws regarding acupuncture vary from state to state. Many states license acupuncturists as primary health care providers. Others permit an acupuncturist to treat patients if they have been referred by medical doctors or the acupuncturist is working under a medical doctor's supervision. The legal status of acupuncture in each state is monitored by the American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM). The group also provides referrals to state licensing boards and acupuncture associations, who can answer specific questions about local requirements and standards. For details, call (888) 500-7999 or go to www.aaom.org.

Education and credentials
Educational preparation among acupuncturists varies. Some practicing acupuncturists learn the technique through one or two weekend seminars. Most, however, graduate from an accredited acupuncture school after thousands of hours of study. Some are medical doctors with training in acupuncture. Most doctors who practice acupuncture view it as a complementary therapy for use after a medical diagnosis is established.
Certification for practicing acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) requires a minimum number of training hours at an accredited school of acupuncture or an apprenticeship of at least 4,000 contact hours, as well as passing scores on written and practical exams. For a listing of certified acupuncturists, call the NCCAOM at (703) 548-9004 or check out the Web site at www.nccaom.org.

The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) is a professional association for medical doctors who are licensed to practice acupuncture. A minimum number of hours of formal continuing medical education (above and beyond acupuncture training) are required for membership. Call the AAMA at (323) 937-5514 or check out the Web site at www.medicalacupuncture.org to find out if your doctor is a member.


Pregnancy-specific information
Acupuncture has been found to help reduce the nausea often associated with pregnancy.

Senior-specific information
Some clinical trials have found acupuncture to be helpful in stroke rehabilitation and osteoarthritis, both of which are more common among older adults.