Does Acupuncture Work?
Author: Blake Estape L.Ac.
The effectiveness of Acupuncture has come under great scrutiny and as an acupuncturist, I couldn't be more thrilled. The scientific process is helping to prove what we've always asserted; that acupuncture works. In fact, medicaid's rigorous studies convinced them to offer acupuncture as a covered service.
A great deal of information has been gathered concerning the physiological effects of acupuncture. We know that it dampens the need for pharmaceuticals in the treatment of pain by stimulating release of the body's own engoden opioids. This covers the gamut of musculoskeletal conditions that Western pain specialists struggle with; back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, sciatica, etc.
That's only a small part of it's scope, however. Acupuncture can modulate smooth muscle, thus affecting the airways, stomach and bowels. It has also been effective in the treatment of infertility, depression, addiction, and other emotional and psychological disorders - especially when in conjunction with traditional Western treatment methods.
It's also important to note that acupuncture is only one tool. Separating it from the wider context of CAM/TCM is like calling a flu shot the full spectrum of modern medicine. Practitioners offer electro-acupuncture, cupping, moxabustion and herbal medicine as common adjuncts to treatment, in addition to guidance on lifestyle and dietary adjustments.
In a final, less scientific appeal the fact that this style of medicine has been around for so long and accepted by so many should speak to its efficacy. If all previous evidence were to be ignored and acupuncture labeled a placebo, it would be important to state that the effect of pharmaceutical drugs can be as high as 50% placebo. At the end of the day, if the patients see sustained improvement does it matter if the whole system can be defined?
