MediSherpa

Efficacy of acupuncture is established in adult post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in post-operative dental pain. There are other situations such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma where acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program.

Don’t use acupuncture for the following conditions: Rapidly infectious conditions: For example, acupuncture alone does not cure a severe viral chest infection or stop the spread of measles.

Serious terminal illnesses, such as cancerous tumours: Acupuncture may be used to relieve nausea from chemotherapy, or to ease pain associated with cancer, but no evidence shows it can cure cancer.

Very acute conditions: For example, something more than acupuncture is needed if a person suffers a heart attack or has a raging fever. Certain points are forbidden for use during pregnancy because they can induce labour.

The acupuncturist inserts very thin metal or stainless steel needles into the skin. These needles are inserted at specific acupuncture points in the skin. Regarding safety, the needs are all sterilized before insertion and are also of the disposable types. Do remember to enquire about the needle type and disposal methods from your doctor before you opt for the procedure. Do remember that the transmission of some highly contagious diseases such as HIV AIDS and Hepatitis B are passed on through contaminated needles. These needles are left inserted into the skin for an average of 15 to 30 minutes and the treatment generally needs to be repeated for multiple sessions for around 2-3 weeks.

Before the treatment actually begins, the acupuncturist will investigate the patient's medical history, and right before the process starts, the patient's pulse will also be checked several times. It is also likely that the acupuncturist will check the individual's tongue, or examine the parts of your body which are to be treated. Only after the pre-treatment is complete will the acupuncturist determine whether or not you are fit enough to undergo the treatment.

The most common serious injury reported from the needles of acupuncture has been accidental puncture of the lung. This results in a partial collapse of the lung called pneumothorax. The most common infection reported from acupuncture treatments is viral hepatitis, a potentially serious infection of the liver. Other side effects include bacterial infections locally at the site of needle insertion in the skin and elsewhere in the body. Generally, side effects seem to relate to poor hygiene and training of the acupuncturist.

Make sure you take all your herbs and supplements as directed. In China, acupuncture and herbs are taken together for maximum effect. Failing to take your herbal medicine is a sure way for mediocre and short lasting results. Don't engage in strenuous activities immediately after acupuncture. Your body is healing and needs this time to recover. Ideally, a person should rest and do minimal activities. Strenuous activities includes: sports, sex, and physical labor. Don't eat huge/heavy meals immediately after acupuncture. Your body directs vital energy away from your injured areas to digest food when you eat these difficult meals. If you've received acupuncture for insomnia, anxiety, or other internal problem plan a low mentally exciting evening for yourself.