Acupuncture Science

I Want To Try Acupuncture For The Osteoarthritis In My Knee... Does It Work?

The role of many complementary and alternative therapies for arthritis have come under careful scrutiny recently. Some therapies seem to work while others are a short step from snake oil. The difficult problem is separating the truly effective therapies from the ones that really dont work.

In arthritis this is more of a problem than many other conditions because the placebo response in clinical trials involving drugs used to treat arthritis can be as high as 40 per cent! What that means is that the mind plays a huge role in determining whether a given therapy will work... or not.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of disability among older adults. The joint most affected is the knee. The prevalence, disability, and costs related to knee OA are expected to skyrocket in the next 25 years because of the aging of the population.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been the mainstay of therapy for OA of the knee. However, NSAIDS are only a bit better than placebo in the short term relief of OA pain. Also, NSAIDS are associated with many side effects including gastrointestinal bleeding, hypertension, and cardiovascular complications. Acetaminophen is sometimes used for mild OA pain; however, it also has potential problems including liver toxicity and the potential for kidney damage.

Non-drug therapies that have been proven to be effective include exercise and weight loss. Unfortunately, both of these often are difficult to do for patients with OA.

Acupuncture has been studied in a number of open and randomized clinical trials. Current evidence suggests that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for older patients with OA of the knee.

However, it has been difficult to fully assess the effectiveness because of the possibility of a strong placebo effect. Patient expectations and preferences may color the potential measurement of effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment modality.

Acupuncture does seem to have a real biologic effect.

One problem with assessing the effectiveness of acupuncture has to do with clinical trial design as well as technique, settings, protocol design, and proficiency of the acupuncturists.

Acupuncture appears to be safe. This is born out by the short term improvement in pain and function compared with placebo.

The consensus is that it should be considered as part of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of OA of the knee. (Manheimer E, et al. Annals Int Med. 2007; 146: 868-877.)

Article Source:http://www.articles321.com

About the Author :Nathan Wei Nathan Wei, MD FACP FACR is a rheumatologist and Director of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. For more info: http://www.arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com/arthritis-treatment.html Arthritis Treatment

Acupuncture - an Effective Depression Remedy?

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Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine - dating back to around 8,000 years ago in ancient China. Acupuncture is the art of inserting tiny needles into specific places on the body and can cure many different ailments including asthma, insomnia and high blood pressure. It is believed that acupuncture can successfully treat over 40 different common health problems - but can it treat depression?

Depression is the most common emotional condition in the United States - affecting, to some degree, an estimated 11 million people every year. Depression is more common in women, affecting around 20% of women as opposed to around 10% of men - although men are more inclined to commit suicide when depressed. The illness costs an estimated $40 billion a year in charges for treatment and lost productivity.

Research suggests that acupuncture can help to treat depression - although there is little firm evidence to date. One major study was undertaken by the National Institute of Health in 1998 - the study determined that sufferers from depression who were treated with acupuncture enjoyed a 40% reduction in symptoms. Other studies have had similar results - those treated with acupuncture were more likely to be cured than those treated with traditional medication or therapy.

According to Chinese wisdom, a person's body and mind are both part of the same system. Acupuncture treats both the body and the mind at the same time, rather than separating the two. The purpose of acupuncture treatment is to try to balance the body's life energy, by the skillful placement of the needles. The concept of the life energy is important to our overall sense of well being - a person with a reduced flow of life energy will tend to suffer from stress or depression.

Acupuncture is effective as it tends to work on a person's general health, rather than treating a specific disease or ailment. It's also considered to be a natural remedy, so it is recommended for its lack of side effects, rather than medication. Medications can effectively treat depression but often have side effects and can introduce toxins into the body. Most practitioners recommend acupuncture along with therapy to treat depression or anxiety.

Acupuncture supposedly helps treat depression by unblocking the body's clogged up lines of energy - or meridians. Once the energy lines are unblocked by placing the needles into the correct point on the body, the energy can flow through the body freely and whatever negative symptoms are in the body will then be removed.

It's likely that acupuncture is effective in treating depression because it helps to stimulate the body's central nervous system and increases the production of naturally occurring chemicals. These chemicals, which include enkephalins and endorphins, are partly responsible for a person's feeling of well being.

Acupuncture has several benefits when it comes to treating depression as well as other conditions. There are no side effects and no danger of addiction. Most practitioners also advocate exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle along with the acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture also helps a person to sleep better, and reduces muscle tension and pain.

Also, being treated for depression with acupuncture is fast - positive results can typically be achieved by just several sessions over several weeks rather than a course of antidepressant drugs which may take several months.

Many people state that they feel better and have more energy after just the first treatment. And as acupuncture tends to treat the actual root cause of depression - there's a good chance that the treatment may prevent a person from suffering from depression in the future. Those who have been treated for depression by acupuncture usually state that they maintain a feeling of well being after the treatment.

Most people - even those who have a needle phobia - tend to not be too bothered by the needles. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely fine and cause virtually no pain when being used - there may be a slight feeling of discomfort or pressure, when being treated with needles. Many people claim to experience a warm comforting feeling when the needles are inserted. Acupuncture needles are always sterilized and procedures are completely safe.

Research has also been done on the effects of electro-acupuncture. As the name suggests, this technique involves passing a very small electrical current through acupuncture needles. Initial results indicate that those who undergo this technique also benefit from a general feeling of well being and invigoration.

The techniques and the benefits of acupuncture are still a mystery to many people - to the uninitiated, it isn't considered real medicine. However, acupuncture is becoming more and more acceptable - there are an estimated 9,000 practitioners throughout the US and around 15 million Americans have now benefited from this ancient technique.
About Author:
Craig Elliott is a freelance writer who writes about mental health topics including Community Support Services | Depression Anxiety Treatment
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/women's-health-articles/acupuncture-an-effective-depression-remedy-294430.html

Acupuncture Courses Today

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Find Acupuncture Courses in the United States and Canada. Today, prospective candidates who desire a rewarding career in acupuncture can enroll in one of several acupuncture courses to attain ample education and training in the healing art of Oriental medicine. Acupuncture courses are designed to allow students to gain necessary skills and training to practice acupuncture and Oriental medicine; in addition to continuing education.

Most acupuncture courses are focused on Traditional Chinese Medicine, and involve in-depth studies in Chinese herbs, Tui Na, Qigong and of course, acupuncture needling techniques. While there are several types of acupuncture, one of the more common acupuncture courses taught include traditional techniques and procedures, but may consist of advanced acupuncture courses in 5-element acupuncture and the like.

In addition to common acupuncture courses, clinical training and education will often be comprised of comprehensive lessons in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and principles and theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Students who desire to become licensed acupuncturists can expect a three to four-year term of studies that if quite intensive. In the first year of enrollment in acupuncture courses, students will gain insight into the philosophies surrounding traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese medical terminology and respective classroom studies.

In the ensuing years of acupuncture courses, students will obtain hands-on training and experience in a clinical setting. Students who are interested in acquiring a certificate, diploma or degree should carefully review acupuncture courses in one of several Oriental medicine schools to become familiar with academic plans, prerequisites, tuition, and class offerings.

In general, acupuncture courses are offered widely at several acupuncture schools, alternative medicine schools and other healing arts schools; and are typically provided to students who desire to help patients with natural healing techniques and who aspire to enhance professional outlook; and to practitioners, who in this ever-evolving field, desire post-graduate level training and continuing professional development.

If you are interested in finding your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Acupuncture Courses Today
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Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Healing Arts Schools, Acupuncture Schools, and other Alternative Medicine Schools.

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Acupuncture Certification FAQs

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Find acupuncture certification programs in the United States and Canada. Acupuncture certification is an important step in practicing this alternative healing art. Students interested in earning the valuable credential of acupuncture certification must first complete required coursework and successfully graduate from one of several acupuncture schools.

In general, acupuncture certification programs extended through one of many Oriental medicine schools or acupuncture schools will include three or four-year studies to help students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to practice acupuncture. In addition to acupuncture needling techniques, students will learn about Chinese Medicine, principles, and philosophies; and will gain practical clinical and classroom training. In many cases, students who aspire to earn acupuncture certification will discover that many acupuncture schools will combine education in acupuncture with Oriental medicine, including courses in Tui Na, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and medical Chinese terminology; and associated education in anatomy, physiology, and other respective subjects of study.

While there are several styles of acupuncture, including 5-element acupuncture and Kiiko Matsumoto style (among others), acupuncture certification programs are not intended for any one specific style, but for acupuncture practitioners who desire to improve their professional outlook.

Typically, acupuncture certification is attained by taking a certification examination through the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). Eligibility for candidates who desire to gain acupuncture certification and earn the title of Diplomate (Dipl. Ac.), must have acquired a formal education in acupuncture and must have met all accreditation requirements.

Consequently, if graduates have received their acupuncture degrees, but have not obtained all necessary coursework for acupuncture certification can earn and present supplemental education through an ACAOM-accredited or candidate school. Furthermore, practitioners who have earned their acupuncture certification must acquire a minimum of 60 PDA (Professional Development Activity) points for recertification.

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