Does acupuncture really work?
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Highlights
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Acupuncture has been used in the United States for many years as a treatment for chronic muscle pain. Now, there is a growing body of evidence that acupuncture can be effective against cancer pain.
Acupuncture is all about “acupoints.”
According to the theory and teachings of traditional Chinese medicine, acupoints lie along invisible meridians. These meridians are said to be channels for the flow of vital energy or life force that is present in all living things.
Study findings from the Journal of Clinical Oncology …
… are typical of a number of promising studies on acupuncture. A 2003 study of 79 people by French researchers found that this complementary therapy reduced pain by 36% in people with advanced cancer. For the full news story, click here.
The Chinese believe that illness may occur when the energy flow along one or more meridians is blocked or out of balance. Stimulation of the acupoints, then, seeks to unblock the energy flow and restore health and balance.
Stimulation at the point of a needle
Acupuncture is a technique in which very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles of varying lengths are inserted through the skin to stimulate these acupoints. In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of acupuncture needles by licensed practitioners. By law, needles must be labeled for one-time use only to prevent infection and the transmission of germs.
The needles are inserted just deep enough into the skin to keep them from falling out. They are usually left in place for a few minutes. Skilled acupuncturists cause virtually no pain. The acupuncturist may twirl the needles, or apply heat or a weak electrical current to enhance the effects of the therapy.
Acupuncture is now widely practiced in the United States.
The technique is mainly used to control pain and relieve symptoms of disease such as the nausea caused by chemotherapy drugs. It is not used to cure the disease itself.
By the year 2010, the number of licensed acupuncturists in the United States is expected to be about 22,000. More than 40 states have set up training standards for licensing or certification to practice acupuncture. Medicare does not cover acupuncture, but it is covered by some private health insurance plans and HMOs.
There are also about 3,000 medical doctors in the United States who practice acupuncture in addition to traditional Western medicine.
Look for increased focus on acupuncture.
In addition to studies (see sidebar) that show acupuncture can be effective against the pain of cancer and even lessen the need for pain medicines, there are also many studies that indicate acupuncture may reduce nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy. With the evidence mounting that this ancient technique works, patients may be able to look forward to even more applications of acupuncture.
When done by a trained professional, acupuncture is generally considered safe, however, there are some risks. That’s why one must always consult a physician before undertaking this treatment. Relying on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care, may have serious health consequences.
Available scientific evidence indicates that acupuncture may be useful as a complementary method for relieving some symptoms related to cancer, however, the evidence does not support claims that acupuncture is effective as a treatment for cancer.
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