Researchers find acupuncture effective
Researchers find acupuncture effective
But international experts issue safety warning
The results of a 30-year study of acupuncture show that the procedure offers relief for some patients but is risky in the hands of unqualified practitioners. During a recent meeting of doctors and medical researchers in London, Hagen Rampes, MD, of South Kensington & Chelsea Mental Health Center in London, reported the results of his long-term study on the effects of acupuncture worldwide.
Rampes' research showed that acupuncture provides effective relief for treating back pain, nausea, and dental pain; provides no definite effect on neck pain, headache, strokes, or asthma; and causes serious complications such as blood poisoning, hepatitis B, and lung punctures in some cases.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy that uses tiny needles to stimulate nerve ends at certain points along 12 energy channels of the body, the meridians, thereby prodding the energy flow, the "Qi." In recent years, the practice has made considerable inroads in Western medicine. Adrian White, MD, of the department of complementary medicine at the University of Exeter in England, however, expressed doubts as to the effectiveness of acupuncture "in every condition."
While data support the claim that acupuncture stimulates brain cells to release endorphins, other researchers from the University of Exeter warn that the practice is not totally safe. In fact, in the hands of unqualified practitioners, acupuncture poses serious health risks, they caution.
Unlike osteopaths and chiropractors, who are licensed by professional boards in most countries, the training, licensing, and control of acupuncturists have little restriction. In many countries, acupuncturists need no training or qualifications to practice. The results can be life-threatening. With more than 100 cases, pneumothorax, or puncturing of the lungs, was the most frequent complication reported in the 30-year study. All reported complications were related to inadequate knowledge of the procedure or overaggressive treatment.
"There have been several clusters of hepatitis B throughout the world, and all were due to careless procedures when acupuncture was used," says Rampes.
Several professional associations can help case managers select a qualified provider, including:
· National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance, 638 Prospect Ave., Hartford, CT 06105-4298. Telephone: (203) 586-7509.
· American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, 433 Front St., Catasauqua, PA 18032. Telephone: (610) 266-1433.
· American Acupuncture Association, 4262 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11355. Telephone: (718) 886-4431.
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