Acupuncture, Ancient Chinese Medicine

Are Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Safe?

Have traditional medical treatments failed you? Many in this situation have turned to Ancient Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Many report success with these treatments. However there may be risks and one should do research before using these alternative treatments.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are on the rise among Americans for treating diseases that are not helped by conventional medical therapies. These Chinese treatment methods are based on the mystical belief that a cosmic energy, Chi, flows all through out the human body and its blockage results in illness or pain.

The use of acupuncture and Chinese medicine (mainly herbs) restores the Chi flow to normal which cures the illness. Acupuncture attempts to achieve success at this aim by inserting needles into specific points on the skin (or on the external ear). Several medical authorities and professionals have lately challenged acupuncture and Chinese medicine as being riskier than it is often promoted.

Risks Associated with Traditional Chinese Treatment and Acupuncture

There are a lot of risks associated with acupuncture. For example, if the needle handling is not carried out with care, it can cause fainting, hematoma (localized bleeding that can shift along the organ's length), punctured lung, convulsions, and localized infections. If the needles used are not sterilized, Hepatitis B may become an aftereffect. Skin diseases and nerve damage are other risks that should be considered. However, more than one study confirms that if a trained physician is performing the acupuncture, then the practice can be virtually risk-free.

Standards of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

The standards of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have not been fully approved by the FDA. Acupuncture needles are not recommended for using additional times and should be replaced after each use. Certification of acupuncture today remains a sham as viewed by many American physicians. The goal of this sham is making money by cashing in on the desperation of patients who have not benefited from medical treatments.

The National Council against Health Fraud has declared acupuncture as an unproven means of treatment whose concepts of healing are primitive and false. The perceived positive effects of acupuncture are regarded as the consequence of the patient's own expectations or placebo effect.

Herbal Chinese Medicine

Unlike acupuncture, herbal Chinese medicine seems to be finding out favor among researchers. Studies reveal that these herbal medicines rarely evoke any adverse reactions. In fact, they appear more successful in their safety than most pharmaceutical drugs. Both traditional and modern herbal formulas are now commercially attainable for use by people of all ages and any physical constitution.

Chinese herbal medicines are being used for treating digestive problems, psychological disorders, gynecological problems, allergic conditions, immunity problems, children's illnesses, pain, respiratory diseases, and addictive disorders (alcoholism, smoking etc.).

A strikingly successful point about Chinese herbal medicine is that pregnant women can use most of them without any risk. However, it is always recommended to consult the physician before taking herbal formulas.