A

acupuncture A HEALING method in which the
acupuncturist inserts hair-thin needles into the
body at various locations along energy channels
called meridians. The underlying premise is that
disease represents imbalances of the flow of
energy (chi), and the needles redirect the flow to
restore balance and thus health. The practice of
acupuncture dates back at least 2,500 years to the
origins of TRADITIONALCHINESE MEDICINE(TCM), and
today remains an integral component of TCM.
The Western adaptation of acupuncture views
the practice primarily from the perspective of PAIN
relief and shifts the underlying mechanism to one
in which the needles stimulate NERVE endings,
eliciting biochemical and electromagnetic
responses that interrupt the flow of pain messages
to the BRAIN. Another Westernization of acupunc-
ture is electrostimulation of the acupuncture nee-
dles after inserting them, which intensifies the
effect.

COMMON THERAPEUTIC

APPLICATIONS OF ACUPUNCTURE

ADDICTION ASTHMA
BACK PAIN CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
CHEMOTHERAPYnausea CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
CONVERT BREECH PRESENTION dental PAIN
IN PREGNANCY ENDOMETRIOSIS
FIBROMYALGIA HEADACHE
INDUCE LABOR IN PREGNANCY IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
menopausal HOT FLASHES (IBS)
menstrual cramps motion sickness
OSTEOARTHRITIS POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
postoperative NAUSEA (PCOS)
PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME(PMS) RELIEVE NAUSEA AND
ROTATOR CUFF IMPINGEMENT VOMITING
SYNDROME SMOKING CESSATION
sports injuries tennis elbow (EPICONDYLITIS)

Numerous clinical studies of acupuncture have

provided evidence that acupuncture does indeed

relieve pain. However, no study has yet been able

to identify the precise mechanisms by which relief

takes place. In 1997 the US National Institutes of

Health (NIH) issued a consensus statement

acknowledging the primary therapeutic value of

acupuncture for a variety of health situations and

conditions such as NAUSEA, HEADACHE, dental pain,

OSTEOARTHRITIS, and ADDICTION. This marked the

turning point for acceptance of acupuncture as a

mainstream treatment option for numerous

health conditions.

The Acupuncture Experience

Most people find the experience of acupuncture

relaxing, calming, and even somewhat euphoric.

The hair-thin needles are so fine that they are dif-

ficult to see; most people do not feel them when

the acupuncturist inserts them. The acupuncturist

first directs the person to lie on a padded table or

sit in a recliner-style chair, depending on the loca-

tion of the acupuncture points and reason for

treatment, and then inserts the needles. After

insertion, the needles stay in place for 20 to 30

minutes. Occasionally a needle falls out; this is

okay and does not affect the treatment.

Some conditions need only 2 or 3 treatments,

usually about a week apart. Other conditions may

require up to 10 or 12 weekly treatments for relief

and occasional follow-up treatments for mainte-

nance. For aural, or earlobe, acupuncture to treat

addiction or for SMOKING CESSATION, the acupunc-

turist may place a small needle, like a button,

leaving it in place until it falls out on its own

hours to days later.

In the United States acupuncturists must use

single-use, disposable needles to prevent the

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