Acupuncture for several "conditions"?

Question

I am on the fence about the whole acupuncture treatment. A strong role model in my life is pushing the idea of acupuncture to relieve me of my headaches and migraines. A part of me says just try it because there is a chance it may work, but I do not understand the whole acupuncture bit. I have been told the first few treatments the needles are not used (I have a fear of needles-nothing to do with possible pain, which there is not suppose to be any-just the fact there is a forgin object lodged into my body)

Supposedly one has to be "open" for this stuff to work. I guess I just need some more knowledge on the subject in order for me to feel more comfortable and open.

Other possible conditions that I guess I may have (keep in mind I am only guessing and have no conclusive evidence to prove)

**neck/back pain (getting sever)

**headache/migraine

*peptic ulcer(high possibility)

*candidiasis(maybe)

What is done through Chinese medicine to treat these "conditions"

Answer 1

Acupuncture is based on the bizarre idea that the body contains something called Chi/Qi. This is supposedly a vital source of energy which flows through the body. When it is blocked, the person becomes ill. Acupuncture allegedly unblocks it.

Of course, no doctor or scientist has ever found any evidence that Chi/Qi exists.

If you believe that Chi/Qi is primitive nonsense, invented by ancient people who had no understanding of anatomy or science, then it's almost impossible to believe that acupuncture works.

Answer 2

Ive heard it works on headaches.  It makes you very relaxed.  Yes they do use needles the first visit.  IT dosent hurt believe me I was scared the first time for nothing.

Answer 3

STYX Fan!,

Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with the health issues you listed.  You don't have to "believe it will work", you don't have to be "open" to it.  It isn't magic, and it's more than placebo.

You absolutely should be seen by a primary care physician to make sure there is no life threatening medical condition underlying your health problem.

Acupuncturists will look at your health complaints, perform a detailed health history/intake, and formulate an overall pattern diagnosis.  From there a treatment strategy will be formulated.  If the needles are a problem for you, then your acupuncturist may treat with herbal medicine.  If the needles are a problem, they might perform some sort of acu-pressure, or electro-stimulation of points.  However, they may charge more for this because of the amount of individual time they have to devote to you alone.

In the United States, most acupuncturists use pre-sterilized, one-time use needles.  This means they are used only once on you, and disposed of.  They will swab the intended treatment points with alcohol, just as if you were getting an injection.  These two items are part of Clean Needle protocols used by most acupuncturists in the states.  The risk of infection is very minimal.  

If you choose to try acupuncture, tell the practitioner about your phobia.  Most would allow you to try one or two needles to see if you will be able to cope with acupuncture.

Answer 4

Acupuncture is part of the ancient art and science of traditional Chinese medicine , and you certainly do not need to be "open" for it to work.  It is used consistently and successfully on animals who do not believe in it one way or the other, and most practitioners today use disposable sterile needles.

While the ancient Chinese described METAPHORIC (not neccesarily literal) energy channels in the body, modern medicine has found that acupuncture boosts the immune system, releases endorphins, boosts neurotransmitters, and improves circulation.  The Mayo Clinic hired an acupuncturist last year.  There is not one modality of medicine that works 100% of the time, including allopathic medicine, but acupuncture and herbs are often helpful for all four of the conditions listed above.

Answer 5

You do not at all need to be open for these things to work.  In fact, I was very skeptical of acupuncture before my first treatment years ago.      

You can treat all of these problems through Chinese Medicine.  The first two can normally be treated through acupuncture alone (assuming that there are no serious structural issues involved).  The second two could best be treated with both herbal treatment as well as through dietary changes.  

That being said, a good acupuncturist would send you to an MD for testing if a peptic ulcer is suspected.  If you are to go to an acupuncturist, make sure that this person is well-trained in an accredited Master's degree level program of TCM.

Answer 6

Acupuncture is a very old and tried method of treating the meridians of the body in order to achieve balance.  It actually has something to do with our energy fields. It would not have been around after thousands and thousands of years if it did not work. In my family we have two people who are licenced acupuncturists.  The training is very intense. It is three  to four years minimum in a certified school for Chinese medicine.   It is a different approach to healing  which most western thinking people do not understand and therefore make the quick and eroneous assumption it is nonsense.  It is not an unpleasant experience to have an acupuncture treatment.  It does work.  It does help if you are open to the idea.  It can be very relaxing.  The doctor does more than just "stick" you with needles. He/she actually spends time with you focusing on your pulse and other physical symptoms.  Treatment often includes herbal remedies.   Unlike western traditional doctors who usually determine your condition within a few minutes and then write you a script for a pharmaceutical chemical before sending you off.  The  acupuncturist uses needles that are very thin, almost like hair.  They do not hurt.   I have personally had amazing results for severe sinusitis and allergies after years of unsuccessful  prescription drugs from tradtional doctors.  I know many people who use this form of healthcare with success. The body wants to be healthy and will work very hard to right the wrongs within its various systems. Acupuncture is one way that works with the body in this goal.  Also...there are times when both east and west therapies can be used together depending on the problem and the open mindness of your regular family doctor. One more thing, it is often less expensive.  The important thing is to determine WHY you are having these problems. Many things in your daily life may be contributing to your problems. Your  acupuncturist will work with on this as well.  Good luck.  I wish for you success in achieving good balanced qi.

Answer 7

try aromatherapy and reiki

Answer 8

One does have to be "open" for things like acupuncture to "work" because they depend on the placebo response.

Interestingly, you don't have to be a believer for the placebo response to work, but it is stronger in believers.  Red placebo pills are stronger than blue ones. Capsule placebos are stronger than pills, and injectable placebos are stronger than pills or capsules.  Where do you think acupuncture fits ?

You are describing a lot of symptoms that may or may not represent an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.  Lots of people have aches and pains...it is really part of the human condition.  One of the ironies of the success of modern, science based medicine is that because people don't have to deal with serious illnesses like smallpox or polio anymore, they have more time to pay attention to lifes inconveniences, as if they were real illnesses.

PUD means a bleeding ulcer. That requires definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you really have it.  Most people who think they have PUD, just have heartburn (acid reflux)

Candidiasis however is not a real illness, at least not in the way Alties use it.  It is basically a garbage can diagnosis with a long list of vague symptoms, similar to "multiple chemical sensitivity".

Answer 9

These can be serious medical conditions, you may of already come here looking for some kind of validation for your belief in palour magic and snake oil but it does not work.

These could be serious and possibly fatal medical conditions. You should see a real medical doctor.

They have cut open thousands of human beings for surgeries and not once have they found "qi/chi channels" they've found blood vessels and other stuff but no qi channels. The entire theory of acupuncture is based on these non existent things.

Dr.Gunther von Hagens is a German anatomist who performs public and televised autopsy. If you need futher proof watch him cut open a corpse and there are no chi channels.

Sticking needles into your body can do you harm as well. It may introduce germs and other nasties not to mention they may hit veins, arteries and the spine.