Medical Acupuncture
Medical acupuncture is acupuncture performed by a physician, who has been thoroughly trained in acupuncture. A medical doctor can use acupuncture alone or as a complement to other medical treatments to help you. Licensed acupuncturists, in contrast, are non-physicians who attend school to learn acupuncture.
Acupuncture offers pain patients an option for healing beyond medications and procedures. Many people without medical problems choose acupuncture for relaxation and to combat stress. It is very effective and can produce a deep sense of calm and balance while at the same time leaving you feeling refreshed, energized and invigorated.
When properly practiced by a medical acupuncturist, patients only stand to benefit from acupuncture.
Who can benefit?
Studies have shown that acupuncture has efficacy for a wide range of conditions, including:
• Back pain
• Arthritis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Headache
• Fibromyalgia
What does it feel like?
Acupuncture needles are hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal discomfort. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.
Many acupuncturists use herbs; do you?
I do not. There are hundreds of ongoing studies examining the safety and efficacy of many, many herbs. Thus far, while there are some promising results, the manufacturing process is unregulated; there is no FDA for herbs. That means you do not know what you are buying.
Many herbs actually act as blood thinners. If combined with prescription blood thinners or even aspirin, excessive bleeding may occur. Some herbal laxatives cause you to lose water and potassium. If these are combined with diuretics, such as prescription drugs for high blood pressure, the risk of losing water and potassium is increased.
The point is not that herbs don’t work; the point is some may work, but they may not be safe. We often do not know how or what interactions they might have when combined with other medications or herbs. As with all treatment I offer, I only recommend therapies that have been scientifically proven to be both safe and effective.