Acupuncture

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KEY POINTS

• Acupuncture uses very thin needles to treat pain, nausea, or other health problems. Most people feel little or no pain as the needles are inserted.
• It is important to find an acupuncturist who is experienced and who uses sterile needles.

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What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture uses very thin needles to treat many kinds of health problems. According to Chinese medicine, more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body connect with energy pathways, called meridians. The flow of life force, called chi or qi in Chinese, moves along these pathways. Acupuncture can unblock chi and restore balance to the body. The energy meridians are not the same as nerves or blood vessels. It is thought that acupuncture may stimulate the release of the body's natural painkillers.

When is it used?

Acupuncture may help with different kinds of pain, such as:

• Arthritis
• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder, which causes pain in the jaw joint)
• Migraine headaches
• Cancer pain
• Surgery-related pain

Acupuncture may also help to treat:

• Substance abuse
• Nausea caused by chemotherapy or pregnancy
• Depression and anxiety
• Fibromyalgia

How does it work?

Your first session will include being asked questions about your symptoms, any other medical treatments you are having, and any medicines that you take. The acupuncturist may take your pulse on both wrists, and touch the part of your body being treated to learn the most effective acupuncture points for you.

Sessions usually take 1 hour or less. Most people feel little or no pain as the needles are inserted. The needles are much thinner than the ones used when you get shots or a blood test.

Some acupuncturists place needles in parts of the ear to affect specific parts of the body. Ear acupuncture is most often used to treat substance abuse and withdrawal. Some acupuncturists use electric needles to increase the effects.

How do I find an acupuncturist?

Most states require a license, certification, or registration to practice acupuncture. Some doctors and dentists also practice acupuncture. It is important to find an acupuncturist who is experienced and who uses sterile needles. If the needles are not sterile or the acupuncturist is not experienced, acupuncture can cause problems such as:

• Infections
• Punctured organs
• Injury to nerves

Ask questions and get referrals from people you know and trust. You could check with:

• Your healthcare provider
• Friends or family members who have had acupuncture
• Your health insurance company
• Your employee assistance program (EAP) at work

For more information, contact:

• American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
  (310) 379-8261
  http://www.medicalacupuncture.org