Practitioners of acupuncture, a traditional therapy which originated in China in the second century B.C., insert needles into the skin of patients at specified points in order to relieve pain and treat illnesses. The locations of acupuncture pressure points are determined by complex theories relating the flow of energy through the body. The effects of this treatment are the subject of vigorous debate.
Acupuncture Theory
The theory of acupuncture is based on the idea of interconnectedness between different parts of the body. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, diseases result from a variety of factors, including imbalances of the vital energy or qi and stagnation of the blood flow. Acupuncture practitioners believe that particular pressure points on the surface of the body are associated with organs and blood vessels. Many of these pressure points form lines called meridians, while others occur singly.
Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture treatments vary from region to region and tradition to tradition, but the fundamental elements are generally similar. The practitioner conducts a preliminary examination, including taking the patient's pulse and studying his tongue. A brief interview establishes the patient's symptoms. Following a diagnosis, the practitioner inserts a number of steel needles into the pressure points corresponding to the affected areas. The needles remain inserted for a variable period, usually under an hour. Finally, the practitioner removes the needles.
Effects of Acupuncture Treatments
A survey of available evidence published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2006 concluded that needles inserted in acupuncture pressure points can be effective in relieving pain and nausea. The exact mechanism of this pain relief remains uncertain. It may result from the placebo effect, in which the psychological effect of undergoing medical treatment lessens the patient's discomfort. There is no scientific evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for other conditions. Claims that acupuncture can treat infertility, cancer and other conditions lack any scientific support.
Side-Effects of Acupuncture
Like all treatments, acupuncture carries some risks. These are mostly minor, and usually result from improper procedure rather than from acupuncture itself. The primary risk from acupuncture pressure points is pain. Some patients find having needles inserted highly uncomfortable. In other cases, improperly-sterilized or misapplied needles may result in infection or injury. However, research by scientists at the University of Maryland suggests that these risks are decreasing as disposable needles and improved sterilization procedures become standard.
References
- American Cancer Society: Acupuncture
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Acupuncture - an Introduction
- MayoClinic.com: Acupuncture
- "Journal of Internal Medicine"; Acupuncture - a Critical Analysis; E. Ernst; February 2006
- "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine"; Is Acupuncture Safe? A Systematic Review of Case Reports; L. Lao, et al.; January-February 2003
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