Does accupuncture treatment helps?
101466
I only have anecdotal evidence. I've been treated with accupuncture for back & shoulder pain, and for a persistent numbness in my thigh. It has done absolutely nothing for me and, although single treatments are usually not very expensive, the costs can add up over time. \n\nWith respect to the thigh problem: I described it to several accupuncturists, who then treated me by sticking needles in various places. Nothing. The numbness never went away. I went to a Western MD who suggested that I stretch my leg a certain way and exercise it. That works. The numbness comes back, but the only person who treated me honestly, forthrightly, and with real attention to the condition was a regular old doctor.\n\nIf you're susceptible to suggestion and psychological manipulation, have lots of money, and want to get really anxious about someone sticking needles in you (though I admit, the pain is USUALLY slight or nonexistant), then I'd try it. If you want to get better, I'd go to an MD.
1078797
There are tons of acupuncture therapists in India. There's a handful of different acupuncture techniques used and different clinics utilize different styles.\n\nSo, who is *the* therapist? Whoever fixes you up right, I suppose.
953346
Yes, it actually does.  I read an article about that in a health magazine.  Try to eat lots of veggies and fruit.  They should help the situation.
384993
Yes it works!  I was getting it 3 or 4 times a week at first.  In Nova Scotia it's a free service provided by our government.   I peetered down to once a week and then stopped going.  I had been smoke free for 6 months.  When I stopped going to acupuncture and some stresses at home occured the smoking started again.  I am just resuming the treatments...  hopefully it will work.  My doctor suggested Welbutrin as the best option but it's an anti-depressant and I really don't want to start taking drugs that might alter how I will feel.
955981
Acupuncture is wonderful.  It has helped every ailment I've had, including anxiety/depression/back pain/trauma.  Several sessions do the trick.  It doesn't hurt at all.  It is very relaxing.
1118352
According to section 35-8 of the Medicare Coverage Issues Manual, Medicare does not cover acupuncture. Therefore, acupuncture is not billable as a separate, distinct service. Acupuncture services may be included in some Medicare capitated payment systems.\n\nPeople are trying to change it though\nhttp://www.acucouncil.org/medicare.htm
1136676
I find that accupuncture is a niche therapy. Some of my patients love it and say it's a life saver for them, others say it didn't do a darn thing. There just doesn't seem to be a middle ground. I personally have not attempted accupuncture but would not rule it out as a possible form of therapy. All I can say is try it, if it works for you, great.
961443
Acupuncture is useful for:- \nanxiety \ndepression \narthritis \nasthma \nback pain \ncirculatory problems \nmigraines \nrheumatism \nfertility treatment\npregnancy pain \nsciatica \nskin conditions \nulcers. \n\nIt costs about £30 an hour. But I would probably go to a doctor first, just in case. You could also have a massage for around the same cost which can work wonders for stress related illnesses.
1052449
I tore my rotator cuff and tried every conventional therapy for it with dismal results. Out of near-desparation, I tried accupuncture. The old, wizened Chinese "doctor" treated me once a week for ten weeks. By the end of those ten weeks, my shoulder had recovered about 85% of its mobility, and I was completely pain-free! I don't know exactly how it works, but it sure worked for me and I recommend it.
185745
No cure yet exists, but symptoms are often treatable with various medications, behavioural therapy and alternative treatments. It should be noted that there is not any peer reviewed scientific evidence, yet, of success with "alternative therapies." Even results of behavioural therapy are unclear long-term, and are going to be studied on a well-designed TSA grant possibly starting in 2004.
741628
I dont think acupuncture clears blood vessels, but chelation therapy should.  ask a natural health practioner if he does that or knows anyone who does.
446637
You can have acupuncture if you are a diabetic.  In fact you very well may see some benefits beyond pain relief.  You will want to tell your acupuncturists about your health problems, such as your diabetes, if you are insulin-dependent, if you have any sorts of complications like diabetic neuropathy, etc.  If you have skin infections or ulcerations due to poor circulation, extra care will be taken to avoid needle insertion in that area.  Make sure you find an acupuncturist who has the proper credentials, and they will have educational and clinical experience in dealing with your situation.
531062
Acupuncture has been, and still is, used as a very effective cure for many things. It has been around for a few thousand years. Many people in the Western world cannot come to terms with acupuncture, but it has had many remarkable successes. I have used it myself to cure problems with wax in my ears and a minor bladder problem. \n\nAudiotapes provide self-hypnosis techniques and some contain subliminal messages behind background music or sounds such as the sea or winds. \n\nChewing Gum containing nicotine is used as a replacement. \n\nCold Turkey is generally considered the most effective method, unless of course, you are selling a product. \n\nComputer Programs can help schedule the quitting process. \n\nTapering, or Cutting Down Slowly involves gradually reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke each day until you arrive at zero. \n\nA Health Farm provides a strict regime for you to follow for a fixed period, after which you should be cured. \n\nHypnosis, like acupuncture has been used as a cure for many things, including quitting smoking. \n\nInhalers are used instead of cigarettes to provide the nicotine. Gradually the strength is reduced. They can also be inconvenient and embarrassing in some situations. \n\nPatches provide a steady supply of nicotine through the skin. The strength gradually reduces until the craving shouldn't exist. \n\nThere are various forms of Tablets which have been developed to assist people stop smoking. There can be side effects. \n\nTherapy can help uncover the reasons for smoking and develop a plan to quit smoking.
206407
Yes!  First, you should go to your medical doctor and ask for a diagnosis.  Your M.D. might zone in on your gallbladder or liver.   If you don't have an emergency situation, then look for a qualified acupuncturist or practitioner of Chinese medicine (acupuncture is one part of Chinese medicine, which also includes herbs, massage, and more).\n\nAdditional Info:\nI couldn't find the link at the World Health Organization's Website, but the first link below gives the list of conditions treatable with acupuncture.  Digestive disorders are among them.  Go and get the tests done, but don't delay in finding yourself a qualified pracitioner of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine.  I have included a link to NCCAOM where you can search for a therapist.
434081
yoga and accupuncture have worked for me. I used to be a cutter myself.
189558
Acupuncture, and specifically electro-acupuncture, is exceptionally helpful for this.  I have included a few links to get you started in your research.
287724
To dismiss professional acupuncture as a placebo serves no other purpose than to show ones ignorance of the subject. Many professional medical studies have proven beyond doubt it's effectiveness in the relief of pain and stress. The only reason public doubts have arisen is due to what is termed as 'sham acupunctute', which have very little connection to the original practice developed in China. \n\nAcupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.\n\nThe term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.\n\nThe following is an excerpt from the NCCAM health website...\n\nAcupuncture is one of the key components of the system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the TCM system of medicine, the body is seen as 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. Among the major assumptions in TCM are that health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state" and that disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. It is believed that there are 12 main meridians and 8 secondary meridians and that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body that connect with them.\n\nPreclinical studies have documented acupuncture's effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine that is commonly practiced in the United States.9-14 It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and, thus, affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.15,16\n\nhttp://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/#work\n\nResearch carried out in the field of acupuncture has proven that if the practice is carried out by a professional in the field of the original Chinese art of acupuncture then it's effectiveness is undeniable. Clearly your practitioner is well versed in this art as it's effects clearly show, and she should be commended for her professionalism.\n\nMore information can be found at these websites...\nhttp://members.rediff.com/therapies/acpwork.htm\nhttp://www.lhj.com/lhj/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/lhj/story/data/Harvard_acupuncture_12152002.xml&catref=cat460027\nhttp://www.rzuser.uni-heidelberg.de/~yzhao/acu_work.html\nhttp://www.biancastroll.com/faq.html\n\nI'm glad to hear that acupuncture is working for you Libby, and I hope you continue with the treatment. In days where medication and quick-fixes are too often resorted to, it is refreshing to see that traditional art-forms such as acupuncture are still the best remedy available.