Acupuncture may be applied for the treatment of injuries, diseases of the mind and body, as well as for the relief of pain. Acupuncture in the western world is widely accepted as a successful treatment option for many complaints. However, there are conditions that acupuncture can and cannot treat. Although it can treat effectively many kinds of ailments it is not a panacea for all health problems.
Conditions in which Acupuncture may not help:
Acupuncture may be inappropriate, unsuccessful or dangerous in certain conditions. As with any rule of this type, borderline cases exist, which may be considered appropriate by one acupuncture practitioner and not by another.
- Acupuncture has no known curative effect on malignant disorders. However, secondary effects such as severe pain, loss of appetite, mental depression and lack of sleep can be effectively and safely managed with acupuncture.
- Mechanical obstructions within body. If there is a mechanical obstruction like a twisted loop of intestine, severed tendon or some foreign object within the body, these will have to be physically
This is only a only a partial list of conditions. Acupuncture is recognized by western medical practitioners and is known to produce good results in many illnesses and diseases, but like western medicine where many illnesses do not respond to prescription medicine, acupuncture also will not treat every kind of condition or disease successfully.
Some of the conditions that respond favorably to Acupuncture include:
| Allergy | Acne | Anxiety | Angina Pectoris |
| Arthritis | Bell’s Palsy | Blood Pressure | Bronchitis |
| Constipation | Cramps | Dandruff | Deafness |
| Deafness | Weak Erections | Paralysis | Fever |
| Flatulence | Gallstones | Gangrene | Headaches/Migraines |
| Hernia | Hysteria | Infertility | Jaundice |
| Menstruation, disorders | Mental disorders | Nephritis | Numbness |
| Obesity | Palpitations | Pimples | Pneumonia |
| Prolapse, rectal | Psoriasis | spasms | Snoring |
| Sciatica | Sterility | Kidney Stones | Tennis elbow |
| Tinnitus | Tiredness | Warts | Wrinkles |
Clear indications for surgery
- Fractured bones, dislocated joints, bleeding wounds or congenital defects (hare lip) are examples of clear indications for surgery. Pain relief may still be provided by acupuncture.
Fulminating infections
- Antibiotics are likely to act more quickly in such cases. Acupuncture may however be combined with drug therapy to relieve symptoms. If the infection does not respond to the drug, or the patient is allergic to the antibiotic, then acupuncture may be used.
Acupuncture is not recommended during certain trimesters of pregnancy
- During the first and last three months of pregnancy, it is best not to apply acupuncture, as needling may cause abortion or premature delivery. This is only a relative contraindication. Vomiting during pregnancy has been effectively treated with acupuncture. Pain relief during child birth has also been provided by acupuncture.
- In addition, Ear points (auricular acupuncture), related to the genitor-urinary system are likely to disturb pregnancy.
- Strong manual stimulation or electrical pulse stimulation must be strictly avoided at all stages of pregnancy.
Miscellaneous conditions where Acupuncture must be used with caution
Acupuncture treatment is not recommended in the following cases:
- Very old patients
- Debilitated and dying patients
- Patients who have just had an intensive emotional experience or period of excitement
- Patients sweating profusely
- Patients under the influence of alcohol
- Immediately after a hot bath
- Immediately after sexual intercourse
- Before or after a heavy meal
Related posts:
Comments