March 21, 2006 by Domenic J. Thomas, L.Ac.
Acupuncture is a very safe and effective medical modality which has a direct and indirect effect on all the systems of the human body. Acupuncture is especially effective in treating acute and chronic pain disorders of many different origins. Acupuncture helps balance body chemicals such as hormones and neurotransmitters in an effort to facilitate health and well being. Acupuncture has a catalytic effect on the body by working with the inherent healing capacity and homeostatic tendencies it possesses naturally.
"The data in support of acupuncture are as strong as those for many accepted Western medical therapies. One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions." (NIH Consensus Statement 1997)
In terms of pregnancy, acupuncture is a very effective adjunct to western medical care as it can help manage pain and other pregnancy related syndromes without side effect or potential harm to the unborn child. These are some of the more common syndromes which can be treated with acupuncture therapy:
- Pain Management: including upper and lower back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, abdominal pain, pelvic pain and headaches.
- Abdominal Issues: including morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, constipation.
- Pregnancy Support: including anxiety/depression, stress disorders, dizziness, edema.
Acupuncture is also useful in treating a wide variety of gynecological issues, especially pre-menstrual syndrome, menopausal syndrome, abdominal and pelvic pain, dysmennorhea and fertility. Acupuncture has a positive effect on the endocrine system and is effective in regulating and stimulating hormone production. Acupuncture is an excellent adjunct therapy to in-vitro fertilization and many other commonly used allopathic fertility treatments.
Acupuncture serves as an excellent stress management tool as it aids in the release of endorphins and other endogenous opiods in the body. Acupuncture has shown to decrease the frequency and intensity of hot flashes in menopausal women while also aiding the transition to a post-menopausal state.
