Is acupuncture a valid treatment?

National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat the following: Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy. Dental pain after surgery.

What do critics say about acupuncture?

One recurring theme of critics is that the concept of acupuncture points has no scientific validity. Meanwhile, the subject of whether-or-not acupuncture points “exist” has been given too little attention within the acupuncture research community.

Why is acupuncture a pseudoscience?

Acupuncture is a pseudoscience; the theories and practices of TCM are not based on scientific knowledge, and it has been characterized as quackery. The conclusions of trials and systematic reviews of acupuncture are inconsistent, which suggests that it is not effective.

Can I claim acupuncture on Medicare?

Most Traditional Chinese Medicine is not covered by Medicare. However, acupuncture is covered by Medicare if your acupuncturist is also a general practitioner. Traditional Chinese Medicine is covered by some private health funds but your coverage will depend on your insurance policy.

Is acupuncture a bogus?

Acupuncture is a pseudoscience; the theories and practices of TCM are not based on scientific knowledge, and it has been characterized as quackery….

Is acupuncture regulated by the federal government?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices for use by licensed practitioners and requires that needles be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards.

What is acupuncture and how can it help me?

It is one of the practices used in traditional Chinese medicine. See the NCCIH Web site for more information on traditional Chinese medicine. Results from a number of studies suggest that acupuncture may help ease types of pain that are often chronic such as low-back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis/knee pain.

Should I see an acupuncturist?

Acupuncture is not for everyone. If you choose to see an acupuncturist, discuss it with your doctor first and find a practitioner who is licensed as having proper training and credentials. What does acupuncture feel like? Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles.

How many acupuncture points are there?

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced “chee”) through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease.

How many people use acupuncture each year?

At least 3 million adults nationwide use acupuncture every year, according to the latest estimates. Acupuncture is part of a family of procedures that originated in China. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body contains a delicate balance of 2 opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang.