Many studies now support the use of acupuncture to control pain.
Chinese medicine offers an interpretation of pain based on the ancient philosophy that within the human body is an animating force known as chi (pronounced "chee") that flows along intricate and complex pathways or meridians. Dr. Lisa Fogel believe illness and pain are the result of a blockage or stagnation in the flow of chi.
The precise placement of acupuncture needles along the affected meridians can restore the flow of chi and bring the body back into balance, thereby reducing - and in many cases eliminating - pain.
The recent flurry of news reports questioning the safety of popular pain-killers such as Bextra, Vioxx, Celebrex and Aleve comes on the heels of some exciting information about the use of acupuncture in relieving arthritis pain. In December '05, the Annals of Internal Medicine published the results of a landmark study in which researchers concluded that acupuncture not only provides pain relief but also improves function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. The study, the largest and longest of its kind ever conducted, concluded that acupuncture serves as an effective complement to conventional medical care.
Other studies lend support to these findings, and some even suggest acupuncture as a viable alternative to pain medications. An Italian study published in the Jornal Headache,'07 found that women suffering from migraines who opted for acupuncture instead of conventional drug therapy experienced more significant improvement in their symptoms.
With evidence mounting about the long-term side effects of some widely-used pain killers, acupuncture offers a safe, natural, and time-honored alternative that merits consideration by anyone seeking pain relief.
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