About this topic
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM. It has been around for thousands of years. This treatment involves putting very thin needles into exact points on the body. There are acupuncture points all over your body. Acupuncture is often done to ease body pain. It may also be used to ease signs from: ‚
- Headaches or migraines
- Lower back pain
- Upset stomach and throwing up from chemo
- Muscle pain
- Belly or menstrual cramps
- Osteoarthritis
Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that our bodies are a balance of opposing forces. They are called yin and yang. Yin is cold and sluggish. Yang is hot and active. These forces are in balance when you are healthy. If you are sick, the flow of energy gets blocked. Then, the forces are not balanced. ‚
Acupuncture helps balance the forces. It releases energy from certain points. Some doctors believe that it works in other ways. They think it may cause your body to release more endorphins. ‚
What will the results be?
- Less pain and stress
- Muscle relaxation
Will there be any other care needed?
Before having acupuncture: ‚
- Make sure that the person doing your treatment is trained and licensed
- Talk to your doctor about what you expect and what you are scared of
- Tell the acupuncturist if you:
- Have bleeding problems
- Are pregnant
- Have a pacemaker
What problems could happen?
- Pain and bruising
- Minor bleeding
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/ManualHealingandPhysicalTouch/acupuncture ‚
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine ‚
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction.htm ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acupuncture/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚