Five Most Common Conditions Successfully Treated with Chinese Medicine
This list is by no means exhaustive. In fact, the World Health Organization declared, “acupuncture has been proved – through controlled trials – to be an effective treatment” for nearly 30 diseases, conditions, or symptoms, including those listed here.
Before turning to pharmaceutical interventions and their slew of side effects, consider acupuncture for the following five conditions:
1. Arthritis
Research shows that acupuncture is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A study conducted in China revealed that traditional acupuncture and electro-acupuncture both decreased the tenderness associated with arthritis. A German study followed individuals who received 15 acupuncture sessions for osteoarthritis in the knee. When combined with their regular medical care, most participants experienced a decrease in discomfort and stiffness, improved mobility, and an enhanced quality of life, as compared to those who underwent regular medical care alone.
2. Depression
Acupuncture can serve as a complementary treatment along with Western medical methods. Or it can replace medication altogether. However, do not abruptly stop taking medication without speaking to your physician.
Researchers at the University of Arizona in Tucson, under the guidance of psychologist John Allen and acupuncturist Rosa Schnyer, compared two groups of women with depression. One group received acupuncture specific for depression, while the other received non-specific acupuncture. The participants who received acupuncture tailored to depression experienced a sizeable decrease in symptoms, as compared to their counterparts. In addition, almost half of those who received acupuncture for depression, no longer fit the medical criteria for depression.
Before turning to pharmaceutical interventions and their slew of side effects, consider acupuncture for the following five conditions:
1. Arthritis
Research shows that acupuncture is effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A study conducted in China revealed that traditional acupuncture and electro-acupuncture both decreased the tenderness associated with arthritis. A German study followed individuals who received 15 acupuncture sessions for osteoarthritis in the knee. When combined with their regular medical care, most participants experienced a decrease in discomfort and stiffness, improved mobility, and an enhanced quality of life, as compared to those who underwent regular medical care alone.
2. Depression
Acupuncture can serve as a complementary treatment along with Western medical methods. Or it can replace medication altogether. However, do not abruptly stop taking medication without speaking to your physician.
Researchers at the University of Arizona in Tucson, under the guidance of psychologist John Allen and acupuncturist Rosa Schnyer, compared two groups of women with depression. One group received acupuncture specific for depression, while the other received non-specific acupuncture. The participants who received acupuncture tailored to depression experienced a sizeable decrease in symptoms, as compared to their counterparts. In addition, almost half of those who received acupuncture for depression, no longer fit the medical criteria for depression.
3. Migraines
Acupuncture is highly effective in treating migraines and more and more Western physicians are referring patients to acupuncturists for integrative therapy. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, published research that uncovered acupuncture alleviated pain during a migraine episode and also over a long period of time. The study’s author stated, “Data showed improvement greater than 33% for 60% of patients at a 3-year-follow-up. Drug intake was reduced to 50% and did not re-increase until follow-up.”
4. Allergic Rhinitis
Typically referred to as allergies or hay fever, allergic rhinitis is when the nasal passages become inflamed after inhaling an allergen. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology studied 5,237 people with allergic rhinitis. One group received their typical medical care along with acupuncture for three months, while the other group only received routine care. Subjects in the acupuncture group experienced a significant improvement in symptoms and a better quality of life. At the three-month and six-month follow-ups the benefits were still evident.
5. Low Back Pain
Surgery, steroid injections, and chiropractic adjustments can be put on hold. Acupuncture can provide long-lasting relief for low back pain, regardless of the cause. A team of researchers at the University of Maryland analyzed a number of studies that focused on acupuncture for low back pain. They found that acupuncture was more successful in treating the pain than standard care. The participants experienced “significant” long-term relief.
Acupuncture is highly effective in treating migraines and more and more Western physicians are referring patients to acupuncturists for integrative therapy. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, published research that uncovered acupuncture alleviated pain during a migraine episode and also over a long period of time. The study’s author stated, “Data showed improvement greater than 33% for 60% of patients at a 3-year-follow-up. Drug intake was reduced to 50% and did not re-increase until follow-up.”
4. Allergic Rhinitis
Typically referred to as allergies or hay fever, allergic rhinitis is when the nasal passages become inflamed after inhaling an allergen. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology studied 5,237 people with allergic rhinitis. One group received their typical medical care along with acupuncture for three months, while the other group only received routine care. Subjects in the acupuncture group experienced a significant improvement in symptoms and a better quality of life. At the three-month and six-month follow-ups the benefits were still evident.
5. Low Back Pain
Surgery, steroid injections, and chiropractic adjustments can be put on hold. Acupuncture can provide long-lasting relief for low back pain, regardless of the cause. A team of researchers at the University of Maryland analyzed a number of studies that focused on acupuncture for low back pain. They found that acupuncture was more successful in treating the pain than standard care. The participants experienced “significant” long-term relief.