The enthusiasm for complementary and alternative medicine is growing these days. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine being practiced in many parts of the globe. A survey from National Health Interview on Acupuncture in 2007 revealed that in 3.1 million U.S. adults and 150,000 children were taking acupuncture treatment. Although a lot of information stating truth about acupuncture is available online, people often tend to ignore it. WHO is spreading awareness about complementary and alternative medicines, including acupuncture. A report from the Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture, held at the National Institutes of Health in 1997, revealed another truth about acupuncture that it is being "widely" practiced by thousands of physicians. Despite so many efforts by medical and media community, some myths are still prevailing in the society that need be debunked.
The facts and myths about acupuncture are:
1. One of the common myths about acupuncture is that acupuncture is a painful technique.
But, the truth is that most of the people undergoing acupuncture treatment feel no pain or feel just pricking sensations. The acupuncture needles are very fine and never cause tissue damage, if used appropriately by experienced acupuncturist.
2. Acupuncture is an unhygienic practice and needles can transmit infections to others.
This is among other prevalent myths about acupuncture that prevent people from visiting an acupuncture clinic.
Contrary to the myth, the truth about acupuncture is that almost all of the acupuncturists make use of separate needles for each patient. Use of disposable needles is also ubiquitous all over the globe. So, there is no risk of getting infected. USFDA also regulates the acupuncture needles for use by licensed acupuncturists. There is a need to debunk the myths about acupuncture.
3. Acupuncture is a remedy only for painful disorders like headache, sciatica, etc.
The truth about acupuncture is that there are many other conditions than pain disorders, which mitigate through acupuncture. Research on bronchial asthma, sleep disorders, menstrual problems, and digestive diseases has proved this fact about acupuncture. Acupuncture is providing new life to the people who don’t find cure in any other pathy.
4. Acupuncture is not a recognized medical system and acupuncturists are not qualified doctors.
This is amongst many other myths about acupuncture that are prevalent in masses.
Actually, the facts about acupuncture are entirely different from the misconceptions about it. Acupuncture is a recognized system of medicine under complementary and alternative medicines, and even USFDA and NCCAM have been optimistic on highlighting its advantages in some disease conditions.
Acupuncture Association of America, founded in 1980, registers and provides continuous education to acupuncturists. Acupuncture board of California, National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are among others.
5. Many sticking to myths about acupuncture believe that acupuncture is just a placebo.
This common myth about acupuncture is prevalent because traditional Chinese medicines are still considered to be folklore, and people are unaware about studies carried out and being conducted on this system. Many researchers have debunked the above myth about acupuncture, as acupuncture has been found effective in mitigating osteoarthritis, posttraumatic stress disorder, chronic low back pain, and fibromyalgia. Various centers are offering acupuncture treatments to provide new life to the sufferers. New life Acupuncture Center is one such institute in the Dallas, TX.
Knowing these facts about acupuncture may bring more sufferers to physicians. Thorough understanding of the facts helps in busting myths about acupuncture. Understanding the facts and myths about acupuncture help us know the limitations and benefits of this therapy.