Acupuncture as an Alternative Treatment
Think of acupuncture, and different images spring to life. In the movies, people with dozens or hundreds of needles look like human porcupines. The reality is that only the necessary numbers are used, and the needles are disposed of afterwards.
Needle diameter ranges from 0.006 to 0.018 inches, far thinner than most injection needles. The needle is inserted through the skin at various points, stimulating nerves or blood vessels. Sometimes pain is reported, but not all patients report experiencing any.
People seek acupuncture treatment for a variety of different conditions. In America, smoking cessation, pain control, nausea control and weight loss are among the most popular.
For smoking cessation, the patient fills out a detailed questionnaire about their smoking habits. The treatment and number of sessions are tailored to the individual. Herbs, supplements and dietary recommendations help to alleviate cravings while the treatment works.
In pain control, the needles stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's own natural painkiller. They also block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. For chronic pain sufferers, this reduces or eliminates the need for long-term medications, many of which have serious or severe side effects. There are no side effects from endorphins.
Many studies have concluded that acupuncture is effective in controlling nausea caused by chemotherapy. Pregnancy, digestive disorders and medications are prime causes of chronic nausea. The acupuncturist will take a detailed history and devise a specific plan of treatment for each patient.
For weight loss, there is a proof that combined with diet, the treatments work. Many researchers believe that the release of endorphins produces a calming effect, thereby alleviating the stressors that may trigger overeating.
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as a treatment for depression, stress, alcoholism, drug addiction, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension, sexual dysfunction and more. Of course, traditional practitioners have used it to treat all conditions, with or without success.
Insurance companies allow acupuncture as a legitimate treatment, although many plans limit the number of sessions. The Internal Revenue Service also allows it as a medical deduction. That means the treatments not covered by an insurance plan could qualify as an income tax deduction.
Find an acupuncturist in CA by visiting the online Acupuncturist Directory, or in the local phone book. All acupuncturists are required to have a valid license in the State of California. If there is not one displayed, ask to see it.
Needle diameter ranges from 0.006 to 0.018 inches, far thinner than most injection needles. The needle is inserted through the skin at various points, stimulating nerves or blood vessels. Sometimes pain is reported, but not all patients report experiencing any.
People seek acupuncture treatment for a variety of different conditions. In America, smoking cessation, pain control, nausea control and weight loss are among the most popular.
For smoking cessation, the patient fills out a detailed questionnaire about their smoking habits. The treatment and number of sessions are tailored to the individual. Herbs, supplements and dietary recommendations help to alleviate cravings while the treatment works.
In pain control, the needles stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's own natural painkiller. They also block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. For chronic pain sufferers, this reduces or eliminates the need for long-term medications, many of which have serious or severe side effects. There are no side effects from endorphins.
Many studies have concluded that acupuncture is effective in controlling nausea caused by chemotherapy. Pregnancy, digestive disorders and medications are prime causes of chronic nausea. The acupuncturist will take a detailed history and devise a specific plan of treatment for each patient.
For weight loss, there is a proof that combined with diet, the treatments work. Many researchers believe that the release of endorphins produces a calming effect, thereby alleviating the stressors that may trigger overeating.
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as a treatment for depression, stress, alcoholism, drug addiction, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension, sexual dysfunction and more. Of course, traditional practitioners have used it to treat all conditions, with or without success.
Insurance companies allow acupuncture as a legitimate treatment, although many plans limit the number of sessions. The Internal Revenue Service also allows it as a medical deduction. That means the treatments not covered by an insurance plan could qualify as an income tax deduction.
Find an acupuncturist in CA by visiting the online Acupuncturist Directory, or in the local phone book. All acupuncturists are required to have a valid license in the State of California. If there is not one displayed, ask to see it.