Try Acupuncture This New Year

By Nader Soliman, MD

Acupuncture is a method of therapy intended to promote natural body healing, improve and restore bodily functions and relieve or reduce pain.

What Is Medical Acupuncture?

Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a physician licensed in western medicine and also trained in acupuncture as a specialty. This will allow your physician to use either or both approaches to treat your illness.

How Is It Done?

Acupuncture is accomplished by the insertion of special very fine needles through the skin at specific points on the body known as acupuncture points. Heat or electrical stimulation may then be applied to the needles. Needles are sterile and disposable.

Does It Hurt?

Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid. They are made of stainless steel and unlike hypodermic needles they are not hollowed and have no cutting edge. Most people feel no pain, or some experience minimum discomfort as needles are inserted. Once the needles are in place no pain or discomfort is felt.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Scientific studies have shown that the insertion of needles at acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release certain natural chemicals at different tissue levels. This will modify the body's reaction to pain and stimulate the release of other chemicals to influence the healing process and the regulation of different bodily functions. Acupuncture was found to release chemicals responsible for stimulating the “immune system.” This means that the body becomes more able to use its own natural capabilities to promote physical and emotional well-being.

What Are The Side Effects?

Usually none, occasionally your original symptoms may worsen for a few hours to a day or two, or general short-lived changes in appetite, sleep, and bowel or urination patterns may be occasionally triggered. Deep relaxation or occasional mild euphoria may follow treatment, this should cause no concern. It simply indicates that acupuncture is starting to work.

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture's use in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems that include

Digestive disorders gastritis, hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea.

Urinary problems including chronic cystitis

Menstrual and Reproductive problems including infertility and PMS.

Neurological and muscular problems including headaches, facial tics, neck and back pain, tennis elbow, shoulder pain, arthritis, sciatica and tendonitis

Respiratory disorders including asthma, recurrent bronchitis, sore throat and sinusitis

Addiction to alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs

Insomnia