Clarifying Common Misconceptions About Acupuncture
introduce acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and clarify common misconceptions. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acu- puncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of medicine that has been practiced for over 4,000 years. Practiced all over the world, acupuncture and Tradition- al Chinese Medicine has been the main system of medicine for over one third of the world's population. While acupuncture is the most well-known in the United States, five modalities com- prise the TCM system: acupuncture; herbal medicine; massage /acupressure, known as tuina; diet and nutrition; and exercise, known as tai chi and qi gong. Each individual's prescription likely will include a personalized combination of these. The goal of TCM is to balance the body for optimal health and well-being. A balanced body will function properly and consequently will protect and heal itself. This is not a static balance, but one that is dynamic and flexible so the body can adapt to challenges and rebound to a state of health. Acu- puncture takes into account the person's entire physical and mental-emotional state; there is no separation of mind and body.
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Misconception: Acupuncture only treats pain. While acupuncture (and TCM) is known for effective treatment of both chronic and acute physical pain, it is widely used to treat other conditions as well. For example, acupuncture is used to treat mental-emotional issues such as anxiety, stress, depres- sion, ADHD/ADD, and addictions. Recent studies have shown its positive results in treating postpartum depression. It is being used to treat trauma on the battlefields and at natural disaster sites, as well as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for veter- ans and others. Not only does acupuncture treat these condi- tions themselves, but also the symptoms that often accompany them, such as changes in sleep, appetite, and digestion.
10 January 2011
hile acupuncture is the fastest growing form of complementary medicine in the United States, it is still new to many people. This article aims to
Misconception: I am healthy, so I do not need acu-
puncture. Acupuncture and TCM are effective as preventive medicine. Because the TCM system of evaluation and diagno- sis involves the entire person, practitioners can often see the beginnings of an imbalance and correct it before symptoms appear and become disease. For example, acupuncture can help boost the immune system to prevent common colds and allergies. Many people come for periodic tune-ups to their overall well-being.
Misconception: I see a Western medical doctor and/or take prescription medication, so I cannot switch to acu- puncture. Our culture is fortunate enough to benefit from the advances made by Western medicine. While TCM is a com- plete system of medicine that provides effective stand-alone treatment, it works beautifully as a complement to Western medicine. TCM can be used in conjunction with and enhance Western medicine, so getting acupuncture need not be an either/or proposition. This is known as Integrative Medicine, which brings together the best of both medical systems. Western medicine is more illness-based, focusing on stop- ping the problem, whereas TCM is more health-based, focus- ing on healing the whole person and reaching the root of the problem. This integrative approach is well established in other countries and is becoming increasingly widespread in the United States. For example, TCM is being used successfully with Western medicine in the treatment of cancer and infertil- ity. Research has shown that acupuncture reduces nausea and vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy, as well as mitigating hot flashes, pain and other symptoms associated with cancer treatment. Other studies have shown that In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) success rates improve with acupuncture. TCM helps im- prove the patient's state of mind, decrease stress, and enhance quality of life.
Misconception: Acupuncture uses needles, so it must
hurt. Definitely not true! Acupuncture needles are solid, flex- ible needles that are as thin as a human hair. While everyone experiences acupuncture differently, most people find it pain-
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