Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Awareness
The Society (MAS) joins other acupuncture and Oriental medicine organizations throughout the United States in observing October 24th as Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Awareness Day.
MAS and the acupuncture community honor the vital role and the professional excellence that acupuncturist and traditional Asian medicine practitioners provide in the delivery of health care to patients.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Awareness Day was created to raise awareness of the benefits of acupuncture and Oriental medicine – an effective form of medicine with a 3,000 year history. This national day of observance has been recognized by the thousands of licensed acupuncturists since 2002.
A recent study conducted by the National Health Interview Survey revealed that more than 14 million Americans have tried acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture has become an integral component of mainstream healthcare. As such, it is one of the few complimentary or alternative medicine approaches covered by health insurance plans.
Yet, misconceptions about this respected form of medicine still exist, and our priority is to educate the public to take the mystery and apprehension out of making the decision to seek acupuncture and Oriental medicine therapies.
Research consistently shows that acupuncture is effective for pain management, at times finding it more effective than pain medicine or surgery. The National Institutes of Health approves acupuncture for the following conditions pain management, dental pain, headache, menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, postoperative or chemotherapy related nausea and vomiting, addiction, stroke rehabilitation, infertility and asthma.
In addition, the World Health Organization also lists acupuncture as a proven effective therapy in relieving nausea during pregnancy, anxiety, panic disorders and insomnia.
In 2012, the US military began officially using acupuncture to treat soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pain management.
An acupuncturist is an integral member of the allied health profession, competent through education, experience and understanding of patient welfare.
When choosing an acupuncturist, it is important that consumers research and ensure that the acupuncturist has the educational credentials and is licensed to provide holistic treatment and care as defined by existing laws in the State of Maryland.
