The needles are inserted and manipulated while positioned on the body and this method is supposed to produce the effect of well-being.
Overview
The scientific community doesn’t support the claims of acupuncture methods. The main part of its theory and practice can mostly be attributed to Chinese medicine, traditions, and speculation. Nevertheless, there are people who claim that acupuncture really works, and that the meridian points in the body are valid and existing.
The Claim
Followers of alternative medicine are very fascinated and impressed with the methods involved in acupuncture. In fact, there are acupuncture clinics all over America. The main purpose of acupuncture is to relieve pain from the body through needle insertion on the particular point in the body that triggers such pain. But aside from this, the method of acupuncture also claims to prevent the onset of different diseases while promoting a person’s general health as well.
The Hype
Alternative medicine is very appealing to the general public because of its natural origins. Unlike traditional medicines that bombard the body with drugs that can have harmful side effects, alternative medicine aims to cure diseases through the natural healing properties inside the body. With fewer or no side effects whatsoever, it is indeed a great alternative to modern medicine even if it is not fully supported by science.
The Cost
The charges in acupuncture clinics vary as this will depend on the location, facilities, and other services offered by the clinic. Typically, the price per session can be around $50 to $150 per session. And one session can usually last
The Commitment
Acupuncture has been practiced for hundreds of years and it is generally safe. However, you shouldn’t just let anyone perform the technique on you. Make sure that you only let trained practitioners insert needles on your body, as this is a very sensitive procedure. The meridian points inside the body are comprised of very sensitive tissues and improper insertion and placing of needles can sometimes lead to complications and even death. You should choose a reputable clinic too. The apparatus needed in this method are mostly needles, and these should be sterilized in order to make sure that you are not exposed to any type of infection.
Evaluation
With over 100 years of existence, the method of acupuncture still remains a mystery to some degree. There is some evidence of its effectiveness in treating different forms of pain like neck pain, back pain, and symptoms of nausea. But other than those, there are barely any sign or proof that the method is indeed effective. That’s why this system remains doubtful as far as curing diseases is concerned.
Yes, to some degree, we can say that acupuncture works. The concept has some logical basis and a lot of people are also testifying to its efficacy. According to those who have gone through the method of acupuncture, the system works for pain and stress. However, there is no clinical evidence to support its other claims, as no records of actual treatments have been submitted for study and evaluation.
The placebo effect is also at work here, as those that are reporting good results probably went in with the expectation that it would work, and those that were skeptical probably didn’t believe it would do anything.
Our Recommendation
We are not recommending acupuncture because of the lack of sufficient clinical studies that can back up its claims. However, judging by the number of people who are testifying to its efficacy, especially in relieving pain naturally, we are keeping an open mind on this system of alternative medicine. There are other alternative practices that also originate from the Chinese culture, and some of these have been found to be highly effective in treating certain types of disease.
And not being backed up by science doesn’t necessarily mean that something is bogus. Science is still evolving, and there are new discoveries every day. There is still a chance that acupuncture will be accepted as a valid and viable method for treating diseases in the future.
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I go. To university of Bridgeport ub and students with teachers are doing it. The cost is only 20.00 and I have results
I am a disabled veteran
i have acupuncture treatments at a local veterans administration hospital for my leg pain
YES, - acupuncture does work!!
It is NOT a one treatment program - however, i am pain free from one treatment to
another.
Every time I see pictures of an acupuncture session I squirm with uneasiness. The actual though of shoving a couple of needles inside my body makes me so nervous@! But people really claim that it works wonders on you and because of all the good reviews and feedback, I am interested in trying it for pain. I just need to build up the courage to actually make an appointment...and then more courage to actually show up to that appointment. I have really bad neck and back pain most of the time. Maybe acupuncture is the answer to my prayers.
I was raised at a time when all things 'alternative' were not to be trusted - just do whatever the doctor said and take whatever medicine was prescribed. Now I work at a hospital with a patient population that I would have thought would never go in for something as foreign as acupuncture - but instead they're on months-long waiting lists. I tend to agree with 3lit3 about it probably not working directly for smoking cessation, but I can see how it could definitely help if the needles intercept nerves on a pain pathway. I'll probably be stepping into that long line if I ever develop back pain.
@Betsy - I'm not sure i've ever heard anybody being successful with acupuncture for things like quitting smoking. But as with Andy who also commented i've been successful with acupuncture for pain relief.
I was having problems with a pain in my knee after a few years of football.
Tired all sorts and then found acupuncture which sorted me right out.
Acupuncture worked for me, I had a really bad pain on my back, I tried muscle relaxers, quiropractic massages, other treatments but nothing seemed to work, there were times I even though there was something wrong with my kidneys. A friend of mine recommended me a clinic and after one session my pain was gone in a 50% and by the third session it was gone for good. I still visit the clinic and excercice regularly, which was not possible for me before.
What I´ve heard about acupuncture as in other alternative medicine techniques is that you have to believe it´ll work to make it work. I´ve been thinking to have acupuncture to quit smoking but I want to be convinced of what I´m doing, a friend of mine did it to lose weight and it worked on her so it has to work on me I guess.