Alternative Therapy - Acupuncture

Acupuncture was invented by the Chinese over five thousand years ago. It became popular in the United States during the 1970's. Over one million American's use acupuncture and there are over ten thousand licensed acupuncturists. Acupuncture is described as a technique that balances the flow of energy in the body. It is done by using special needles which are placed along one's energy meridians.

In 1985, doctors conducted a study of clinically depressed individuals. The result showed that seventy percent of the patients improved significantly compared to others who used medication for the same amount of time. Acupuncture was said to increase their feelings of well-being. The Chinese see depression as a lack of energy flowing in the liver. Many acupuncturists also recommend exercise, which helps restore the movement of energy.

Acupuncture has gained much acceptance in the U.S. and is now taught in many medical schools. This has resulted in an increase in the number of clients seeking this type of treatment. Furthermore, it has proven to be more cost effective than traditional treatment, costing between thirty to one hundred dollars per session. In addition, because of its popularity, many insurance companies now cover acupuncture in their health plan. The most important thing to remembering when considering this therapy is to make sure that you are seen by a licensed acupuncturist. Many physicians are licensed, but not all acupuncturists are physicians. Another important note that was discovered is that even those who reported to be acupuncturist, but inserted the needles in the wrong meridians, still saw results in thirty-fifty percent of patients, compared with fifty to eighty percent in licensed professionals. Finally, you will not see results after one treatment. You should complete the recommended amount of session prescribed by the acupuncturist in order to receive the maximum benefit.