Alternative Treatment - Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Asian medical procedure of strategically inserting tiny needles in order to treat medical conditions. Many people with chronic pain, back pain, anxiety, depression and sinus conditions use this alternative medical procedure. Western medicine, historically refuted the legitimacy of acupuncture, is beginning to better appreciate the medical potency of acupuncture – many medical insurance policies cover acupuncture treatment. As Wikipedia states:

Acupuncture is becoming accepted by the general public and by doctors. Over fifteen million Americans tried acupuncture in 1994. A poll of American doctors in 2005 showed that 60% believe acupuncture was at least somewhat effective, with the percentage increasing to 75% if acupuncture is considered as a complement to conventional treatment
In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration changed the status of acupuncture needles from Class III to Class II medical devices, meaning that needles are regarded as safe and effective when used appropriately by licensed practitioners.

In the year 2000, I was treated for sinus and anxiety conditions by an acupuncturist. Once a week for one hour, she would insert tiny needles from my head to my toes. I would lay prone on a massage like table with relaxing music softly playing in the background. I barely felt the needles when they were inserted. After 30 minutes she would slowly twist the needles to a new position for the remaining time. I enjoyed the treatment (it was very uplifting and purging) and I felt the lasting effects semi-effective (the treatment did not last a full week before the condition reemerged). Whether or not it was the placebo effect, I am unsure, however, I would recommend this nontoxic alternative treatment for people suffering from the above mentioned conditions – in particular, people suffering from searing chronic pain.

In order to find a competent acupuncturist in your area, consult the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture’s (AAMA) website at www.medicalacupuncture.org