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| What Accupuncture is |
Studying the NIH Consensus Statement on Acupuncture, it was found out that it is potentially useful. It is helpful in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in postoperative dental pain. It can be applied as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be a part of a comprehensive management program for such health problems and illnesses as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma. It was observed that it provides pain relief, improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee, and helps to take care of health. Acupuncture can be applied as an additional kind of treatment. A lot of research projects were performed on acupuncture by NIH, NCCAM, its predecessor the Office of Alternative Medicine, and other NIH institutes and centers.
5) Acupuncture is considered being one of the main components of the system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to the TCM system of medicine, the body is a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. It is believed in TCM are that it is necessary to maintain the body in a "balanced state" for good health. Illnesses appear as a result of an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance causes blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. The human body has 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians and more than 2,000 acupuncture points on that connect with them.
Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, quickens the work of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. It may change brain chemistry by altering the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and influence the parts of the central nervous system that is responsible for sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.
6) A licensed acupuncture practitioner can be easily found. Health care practitioners can provide such service. Doctors, neurologists, anesthesiologists and specialists in physical medicine can became specialists in acupuncture, TCM, and other CAM therapies. You can also find the addresses of national acupuncture organizations through libraries or Web search engines.
You should apply only to a licensed and credentialed acupuncture practitioner. There are training standards for acupuncture certification obtained by approximately 40 states, but the requirements for getting a license to practice acupuncture can differ. Proper credentials guarantee that the practitioner follows certain standards in the treatment of patients applying acupuncture.
A diagnosis of illness put by an acupuncture practitioner who does not have proper conventional medical training may be false. After putting a diagnosis a doctor should say how acupuncture can help.
7) One of the most frequent questions is the price of acupuncture. A doctor should tell you the price of treatment and its duration. It can last from a few days to some weeks or more. Physician acupuncturists can provide you more information than practitioners.
8) People inquire if acupuncture is covered by my insurance. Acupuncture belongs to the CAM therapies frequently covered by insurance. It is recommended to ask your insurer before the beginning of treatment whether it will be covered and what the price of insurance will be.
9) Doctors usually ask their patients during their first visit about their health, lifestyle, behavior, treatment, taking medications and medical conditions.
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