1. Acupuncture: East Meets West
Although acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine, it's growing in popularity in the Western world. Many individuals who are battling troublesome diseases such as psoriasis and diabetes or painful conditions such as arthritis or migraines are turning to Eastern medical disciplines such as acupuncture for relief. There's really no limit to the number of conditions and diseases acupuncture can treat. Acupuncture also can be used as a complementary treatment for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.
2. Acupuncture as Preventative Medicine
The big difference between conventional medicine (as it's practiced in the U.S.) and the Eastern medical specialties is the approach. Conventional medicine, also known as allopathic medicine, aims to remedy symptoms after diseases and chronic conditions develop. Naturopathic medicine such as acupuncture tries to prevent diseases from occurring in the first place. Some health insurance providers recognize acupuncture as being helpful in disease prevention. They've increased coverage for their customers because they know it results in less reliance on health insurance benefits and reduces future medical claims.
3. No Pain, Just Gain
For many individuals, the thought of having an acupuncturist poke needles into their bodies is a bit scary. These individuals are surprised to learn that many acupuncture patients find the experience relaxing. The needles acupuncturists use are actually very thin, much thinner than the hypodermic needles used for drawing blood.
4. Get the Expense Covered
That depends on who you ask. Some carefully-controlled medical studies have shown that acupuncture has reduced pain after dental surgery and nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Many patients also report positive improvements in other conditions such as migraines or joint pain. Extensive medical studies are hard to devise because it's difficult to create a placebo for the process of inserting needles.
5. Acupuncture and Health Insurance
Some medical plans don't cover acupuncture, and the ones that do sometimes provide only a minimal discount or reimbursement. Flexible medical spending accounts, however, often cover acupuncture, so look into this option if your medical insurance doesn't cover the procedure. Your first acupuncture visit will usually cost the most because it consists of a consultation plus your first treatment. Later visits usually will cost less. Also, check with your doctor before seeing an acupuncturist. There are a few medical conditions such as polycythemia vera and other blood disorders for which acupuncture might be detrimental. Always let your acupuncturist know about any prescription medicines that you are taking.
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