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Is Acupuncture worth the risks and benefits

By: Roberts There are several alternative treatments and therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and mediation which do not belong directly to medical science, but are gaining a lot of popularity. Unfortunately, not much research and evaluation has been carried out on these types of alternative treatments, because the process is also not easy.

Of course there has been some research in the field of botanical medicine, and we know of some results. For example, the herbal product called ginkgo is a medicine for dementia caused by circulation problems. Prostatic hypertrophy can be cured by saw palmetto preparations and similarly capsicum or hot chili pepper can be a cure for arthritis pain.

The theory of acupuncture is based on the application of pressure on the points of the body which control the organs and bodily systems. For this, the acupuncturist needs to have a through knowledge of the centers and meridians of the body. The pressure is applied with the help of fine steel needles which are pierced into the body at certain points and the needles are moved around to attain the required effect.

So if you have a liver problem, the needle will be inserted into a definite point on the ear, because that is the corresponding point for the organ. The science of acupuncture is based on the belief that the ear is the organ that is connected directly to the bodily organs.

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes in functional methods than giving importance to terms related to structure. The 'acupuncture points' are a topic of controversy for many, like the NIH consensus statement, who can still not understand the medicinal value of the points and can therefore not define and characterize them. The TCM believes that there are two opposing and separable forces in the body which have to strike a balance. The two are opposites, because one is the passive and slow force and the other is the active and excited force. They are called yin and yang.

Is Acupuncture worth the risks and benefits, The chinese believe that Disease is caused by an imbalance of these forces and can be rectified by regulating the flow of energy in these meridians. Traditional practitioners say this is done by re balancing the Yin and Yang, unblocking Chi, along with various other mystical explanations. In mainstream medicine, acupuncture is known to work as a form of pain relief

Most people who have had acupuncture would not describe it as painful. There may be mild discomfort when the needles are inserted and some points on the body and face are more sensitive than others

It is interesting to compare the risks of acupuncture in relation to its benefits. If there is even a slight risk involved in the treatment and it is not proving to be beneficial at all, people will not opt for it. But if the therapy can be life saving, then people are ready to take bigger risks.

It is advisable to inform your GP if you are receiving acupuncture, and likewise you should inform your acupuncturist if you are on any medication. The extent and severity of these temporary aggravations will depend on the skill and experience of the acupuncturist, the sensitivity of the patient, and the type of problem.

Acupuncture treatment is effective for post-operative pain, migraines and nausea. There should be more research done so that it can be used to treat other medical conditions as well.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

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