Pins and Needles: Chronic Pain Finds Relief in Alternative Medicine |
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April 19, 2007
by Kate Robb
Healthcare Programs Columnist
Imagine walking into your doctor's office in search of relief from chronic back pain. The visit begins as you might expect -- she asks you the requisite questions. But then she asks you to lie on your back while she carefully inserts tiny needles all over your body. What do you think?
Complimentary Medicine
If you've never tried it, acupuncture doesn't exactly seem inviting. But there's nothing new about this form of alternative medicine, and its age old benefits are gaining popularity in a variety of medical fields. Many hospitals, as well as other alternative health professionals such as chiropractors and registered nurses are using acupuncture to compliment their normal treatments.
The New-Old Treatment
According to WebMD, in the sixteenth century, Chinese doctors believed that sickness and pain were due to an energy imbalance in the body. By inserting small stainless steel needles, a practitioner of acupuncture stimulates the body's main energy-carrying channels and helps to correct these imbalances. These days, researchers believe that it also stimulates the muscles to send a message to the nervous system that results in a release of endorphins. The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke is currently conducting research about why acupuncture helps relieve chronic pain. They have found that, "Endorphins, along with other neurotransmitters (body chemicals that modify nerve impulses), block the message of pain from being delivered up to the brain."
Great, But Not a Cure-All
Acupuncture has proved to be most helpful with certain kinds of chronic pain, such as "headaches; menstrual cramps; and low back, neck, or muscle pain. It can also be used to treat arthritis, facial pain, pain from shingles, and spastic colon and colitis conditions" (WebMD). It has also been helpful with treating obesity and addictions.
Over the past 10 years, alternative medicine has gained popularity, and many traditionally trained doctors are offering complimentary alternative care in their offices. It might not look inviting, but more and more people are finding that the cure is definitely worth it.
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About the Author
Kate Robb is the daughter of a massage therapist and a psychotherapist. She is also a university professor.
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