Dr. Christi Jin

The first image that often pops into our minds when we hear the word ‘acupuncture’ is that of a human
pincushion. The next thought is that being stuck with a bunch of needles is painful. Besides, how
could something like that work in the first place?

There is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to acupuncture. This misinformation comes from
believers and non-believers alike.

So, what is acupuncture? It is the application of thin needles to specific points on the body, to
treat (or ease the symptoms of) pain, disease or other illness.

Although its recognition in the West is fairly recent, acupuncture is counted as one of the world’s oldest methods of healing. Acupuncture is a part of what is known as traditional Chinese medicine (or TCM). TCM is rooted in the idea that disease and illness are caused by a disruption of the flow of ‘qi’, along with the yin and yang forces being out of balance. Herbal healing, massage, and meditation are also methods of treatment used in TCM to restore the proper flow and balance.

The main difference between these and acupuncture, is that acupuncture is more invasive. The purpose of inserting needles is to remove whatever is stopping the proper flow of qi, by stimulating the proper meridian points on the body.

These points lie on meridian lines throughout the body, with each meridian being related to a certain organ (though not necessarily near the organ). Sometimes with no apparent connection as far as Western medical knowledge is concerned.

Different ways of selecting the appropriate points can be used by acupuncture practitioners. Depending upon the severity of the condition and what is thought to be the underlying problem. Again, Western medicine may not understand – likely due to TCM using a holistic, or whole body, approach. Whereas Western medicine is more likely to target a single organ, without regard to meridians, qi or yin and yang.

Just because acupuncture is not considered a part of conventional Western medicine, doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. Results of acupuncture are hard to argue when hearing first-hand accounts of its effectiveness. However, there has been a growing acceptance of acupuncture by the West. People, government, and yes – medicine, have started to see the benefits. At least in relation to certain ailments.

It is hard to understand why so many people would continually turn to a treatment that did not work. Some claim this is due to the placebo effect. In other words, the patient expects to be cured, so their mind makes it so. That is one explanation why it is a more widely accepted treatment for back pain by the West.

As there are conditions that respond better to certain treatments, it is not advised to discount Western medicine on the whole either. Major diseases such as cancer may need to be treated with radiation or chemotherapy, but acupuncture can still be used as a complementary way to treat it.

Then again, there are cases where acupuncture has effectively treated ailments that simply could not be cured by conventional Western medicine. As mentioned earlier, back pain is one area where acupuncture works where other methods have failed. It has been so effective in these instances that some insurance companies will pay for acupuncture treatments.

The appeal of acupuncture is the fact that it does not use surgery or prescription drugs as a part of treatment. Side effects of surgery and drugs are well-known, and can be scary. Don’t be fooled into thinking that acupuncture is a risk-free alternative. There are risks, though their occurrence is thought to be relatively low.

These risks include irritation where needles are inserted, possible infection, or nerve damage if a needle is inserted and over-manipulated at a nerve site. When seeking an acupuncturist, it is important to check for their credentials. Ask questions, and voice any concerns you may have. If you know anyone who has been a patient, be sure to ask them about their experience as well.

Acupuncture can be a great way to treat many things. Keep in mind to let your doctor know, so they are aware if any problems should arise. This ancient practice has worked for centuries, for countless people, and it may just work for you.