|
Description
Acupuncture is a technique in which very thin needles of varying lengths are
inserted through the skin to treat a variety of conditions.
Overview
Although there is no evidence that acupuncture is effective as a treatment
for cancer, clinical studies have found it to be effective in treating
nausea caused by chemotherapy drugs and surgical anesthesia, and in
relieving pain following dental surgery. The technique may also assist
people who are trying to stop addictive behaviors, such as smoking or
alcoholism, and may be useful for treating headaches, helping in
rehabilitation from strokes, and treating a number of musculoskeletal
conditions.
How Is It Promoted For Use?
There is evidence that acupuncture eases nausea caused by chemotherapy and
surgical anesthesia, and relieves postoperative dental pain. It may also
assist withdrawal from addiction to drugs and alcohol, and help relieve
headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, low back pain, carpal tunnel
syndrome, and asthma.
In China, acupuncture is used as an anesthetic during surgery and is
believed to have the power to cure diseases and relieve symptoms of illness.
The teachings of traditional Chinese medicine explain that acupoints lie
along invisible meridians, which are channels for the flow of vital energy
or life force called qi (or chi) that is present in all living things.
Meridians also represent an internal system of communication that is said to
connect specific organs or networks of organs. There are 12 major meridians
in the human body. Illness is claimed to occur when the energy flow along
one or more meridians is blocked or out of balance. Some practitioners in
the West reject the traditional philosophies of Chinese medicine and claim
that acupuncture relieves pain by stimulating the production of natural
substances in the body responsible for relieving pain called endorphins.
What Does It Involve?
In traditional acupuncture, needles are inserted at specific locations,
called acupoints. In order to restore balance and a healthy energy flow to
the body, needles are inserted at acupoints just deep enough into the skin
to keep them from falling out. They are usually left in place for less than
half an hour. Skilled acupuncturists cause virtually no pain. The
acupuncturist may twirl the needles, and apply heat or a weak electrical
current to enhance the effects of the therapy. Acupuncture is sometimes
accompanied by less well-known traditional healing techniques (see
Moxibustion and Cupping).
In acupressure, a popular variation of acupuncture, therapists press on
acupoints with their fingers instead of using needles. This technique is
used by itself or as part of an entire system of manual healing such as in
shiatsu (see Bodywork). In other variations of acupuncture, heat, laser
beams, sound waves, friction, suction, magnets, and electrical impulses are
directed to acupoints (see Electromagnetic Therapy).
What Is The History Behind It?
Acupuncture originated 2,000 to 3,000 years ago and is an important
component of current traditional Chinese medicine. Originally, 365 acupoints
were identified, corresponding to the number of days in a year, but
gradually, the number of acupoints grew to more than 2,000. Traditional
acupuncture needles were made of bone, stone, or metal, including silver and
gold. Modern acupuncture needles are made of very thin stainless steel and
are disposable. In 1996, the FDA approved the use of acupuncture needles by
licensed practitioners. By law, needles must be labeled for one-time use
only.
In China, acupuncture is commonly accepted as a treatment for many diseases.
Acupuncture has also become quite popular in the United States and Europe,
where the technique is used primarily to control pain and relieve symptoms
of disease such as nausea caused by chemotherapy drugs, but not to cure the
disease itself. It is estimated that there are over 10,000 acupuncturists in
the United States, and about 32 states have established training standards
for licensing the practice of acupuncture. Medicare does not cover
acupuncture, but it is covered by some private health insurance plans and
HMOs. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture maintains a current
referral list of doctors who practice acupuncture.
What Is The Evidence?
There is no scientific evidence that acupuncture is effective as a treatment
for cancer, but it appears to be useful as a complementary method for
relieving some symptoms related to cancer and other conditions. Acupuncture
has been the subject of numerous clinical studies. According to a National
Institutes of Health (NIH) expert panel consisting of scientists,
researchers, and health care providers, acupuncture is an effective
treatment for nausea caused by chemotherapy drugs and surgical anesthesia,
and the treatment of dental pain following surgery. Acupuncture may also be
useful by itself or combined with conventional therapies to treat addiction,
headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain,
osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma, and to
assist in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. There is also some evidence
that acupuncture may lessen the need for conventional pain-relieving drugs.
A small clinical trial recently found acupuncture was effective in reducing
the number of hot flashes men experienced after prostate cancer hormonal
therapy.
Are There Any Possible Problems or Complications?
When conducted by a trained professional, acupuncture is generally
considered safe. The number of complications reported have been relatively
few, but there is a risk that a patient may be harmed if the acupuncturist
is not well trained. When performed improperly, acupuncture can cause
fainting, local internal bleeding, convulsions, hepatitis B, dermatitis, and
nerve damage. Acupuncture also poses risks such as infection from
contaminated needles or improper delivery of treatment. Relying on this type
of treatment alone, and avoiding conventional medical care, may have serious
health consequences.
References
Barrett S. Acupuncture, qigong, and "chinese medicine." Quackwatch Web site.
Available at: www.quackwatch.com. Accessed October 12, 1999.
Cassileth B. The Alternative Medicine Handbook. New York, NY: W.W. Norton &
Co; 1998.
Hammar M, Frisk J, Grimas O, Hook M, Spetz AC, Wyon Y. Acupuncture treatment
of vasomotor symptoms in men with prostatic carcinoma: a pilot study. J Urol.
1999;161:853-856.
He JP, Friedrich M, Ertan AK, Muller K, Schmidt W. Pain-relief and movement
improvement by acupuncture after ablation and axillary lymphadenectomy in
patients with mammary cancer. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 1999;26:81-84.
National Institutes of Health National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine Clearing House. Acupuncture Information Package.
National Institutes of Health Web site. Available at: http://nccam.nih.gov.
Accessed October 12, 1999.
Note: This information was reprinted from the American Cancer Society's
Guide to Complementary and Alternative Methods. Copyright(c)2000, American
Cancer Society. This information may not cover all possible claims, uses,
actions, precautions, side effects or interactions, is not intended as
medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for
consultation with your doctor who is familiar with your medical needs.
Information resource:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Acupuncture.asp?sitearea=ETO |
