The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognize the potential of acupuncture treatment.

The NIH issued a "Consensus Statement of Acupuncture" in 1997 that endorsed the benefits of acupuncture for a diverse group of medical disorders, including:

postoperative surgery or dental pain;

nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy and other symptoms resulting from cancer treatment, such as fatigue, insomnia, anorexia and diarrhea;

a variety of pain, such as headaches, migraines, neck pain, low back pain, sciatica, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Golfer’s or tennis elbow, frozen shoulder and plantar fasciitis;

fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, peripheral neuropathy and intercostal neuralgia;

sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma;

acute/chronic gastritis, GER, nausea, vomiting colitis, hiccups, constipation and hemorrhoids;

post stroke rehabilitation, addiction rehabilitation, menstrual cramps, nocturnal enuresis, and dysuria;

physical problems related to stress, tension and emotional problems (such as headaches, insomnia, muscle spasms and mild depression).

Acupuncture also can be used as adjunctive care for inpatient settings, including:

postoperative pain controls;

pain control in terminal stage illness;

postoperative/traumatic ileus;

pain due to sprains, contusion, and fractures;

muscle spasms, anxiety and drug detoxification;

trigeminal neuralgia and facial nerve palsy;

atypical chest pain (negative work-up), idiopathic palpitations and sinus tachycardia;

idiopathic urticaria or pruritis; and

wound healing.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

There are at least two approaches of understanding how acupuncture works.

Western science researchers, especially Dr. Bruce Pomeranz, revealed that acupuncture stimulates peripheral nerves that send messages to the brain to release endorphins and other neurotransmitters, which block pain pathways in the brain and stimulate the release of other chemicals to regulate internal systems. Continuous research is ongoing to explain the various effects of acupuncture treatment.

According to the TCM, the body is viewed as a dynamically balanced system of organs connected by the flow of Qi within 12 meridians. Illness occurs from the imbalance or improper flow of Qi through the meridians. The restoring of balanced Qi is achieved by needling at properly selected combinations of 365 classical acupuncture points on the body and several hundred other areas of known extra points. This balanced Qi stimulates the body’s natural healing and promotes physical well being.

What Should You Expect from Acupuncture?

Acupuncture employs very thin, solid, stainless steel, disposable needles with smooth points, not cutting-edge hypodermic needles. Most patients feel minimal pain when the needles are inserted, but none once they are in place. Patients commonly feel a dull, achy, pressure sensation, referred to as "De Qi." This sensation, known as "obtaining of the Qi," usually resolves after the treatment.

Acupuncture is very safe and no side effects have been noted after treatment. There are no risks of medical complications or acquiring blood-borne diseases during the procedure, although some patients may experience needle shock due to vasovagal symptoms, which is usually easily reversed without any residual symptoms. Patients may notice some contact dermatitis, simple bruises or small hematomas.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

The number of treatments differs individually with each patient, the chronicity of his or her disease and the complexity of his or her medical conditions.

Patient visits are usually scheduled once a week, although two or three visits per week may be necessary. Visits may be scheduled every two or three weeks at patient conditions improve. Patients with chronic pain typically require maintenance treatments at four, six or eight-week intervals, depending on their response to treatment.