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Posted on Dec 30, 2005, 8 p.m.
By Bill Freeman
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A traditional Chinese medical treatment, acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles on the body
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
A traditional Chinese medical treatment, acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles on the body’s surface, in order to influence physiological functioning of the body.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Many diseases can be treated successfully by Acupuncture. Research has shown that patients with Cervical Spondylosis, Condylitis, Arthritic Conditions, Headaches of all kinds (including migraine), and Allergies can all benefit from the ancient technique. There have also been clinical trials in the use of Acupuncture in treating anxiety disorders and depression. Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine found that acupuncture may help patients suffering from heart failure by dramatically reducing the pressure on the heart. Results showed that acupuncture is able to significantly reduce sympathetic nerve activity, thus suggesting that it may be a useful treatment for heart failure. Other research suggests that the technique could help to treat high blood pressure. Acupuncture can also help to relieve pain and offer relief from morning sickness during pregnancy. A study carried out in 2000 at the Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy found that Acupuncture improved the clinical symptoms and signs of Parkinson’s disease and delayed the progression of the disease. Research has also shown that Acupuncture can assist in the treatment of diseases such as chronic hepatitis - not simply by reducing symptoms but by boosting the immune system to fight the infection. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture works by increasing the level of interferon, one of the immune systems key messenger hormones, however many other theories have also been proposed. Results of a study of more than 40,000 patients - apparently the largest ever study on acupuncture - revealed that nearly 90% of participants who had acupuncture for physical ailments say the treatment relieved their pain. Furthermore, more than half who benefited from acupuncture said they were relieved of their pain after just four treatments.
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Always inform the practitioner of any illnesses or any medications that you may be taking before having Acupuncture.
