Chinese medicine & acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture boast a rich history dating back thousands of years. In this article, we’ll therefore explore how these ancient techniques benefit patients suffering from various conditions. We’ll also delve into research on these practices, showing their success in treating specific illnesses and diseases.
Chronic Pain Management
Firstly, TCM and acupuncture provide effective relief for chronic pain. Research done by Vickers et al. (2012) reveals that acupuncture significantly reduces pain in patients with chronic back, neck, shoulder, and osteoarthritis pain. Additionally, studies by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) support these findings, proving acupuncture as a useful treatment for chronic pain management. As a result, many health care clinics now include these methods in their pain management plans.
Cancer Treatment Support
Surprisingly, TCM and acupuncture also serve as vital complementary therapies for cancer patients. Studies show that acupuncture lessens chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, it helps manage cancer related pain and improve the quality of life for patients getting treatment. These techniques not only address physical symptoms but also provide emotional support by calming anxiety and causing relaxation.
Infertility Treatment
Fertility issues affect millions of couples worldwide. Although this is tragic, TCM and acupuncture provide alternative options to enhance reproductive health. In particular, research by Hullender Rubin et al. (2015) shows that Chinese herbal medicine improves endometrial thickness in women getting in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. Additionally, a study done by Smith et al. (2011) shows that acupuncture increases IVF success rates. Hence, these ancient techniques continue to gain interest in modern fertility clinics.
Allergy Relief
Allergies often cause discomfort and significantly impact daily life. TCM and acupuncture effectively address these issues. A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine (2013) reveals that acupuncture significantly reduces allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Furthermore, TCM doctors employ herbs that ease allergy symptoms and help boost the immune system.
Migraine Relief
For those who experience severe migraines, acupuncture in particular offers an attractive alternative to pharmaceutical treatments. For example, Linde et al. (2016) did a meta-analysis that confirms acupuncture’s effectiveness in reducing migraine frequency. Similarly, a study by Zhao et al. (2014) showed that acupuncture significantly decreased migraine frequency, duration, and strength. In light of this, use of this ancient therapy continues to grow among migraine patients.
Depression and Anxiety
Mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, are global. TCM and acupuncture, however, provide alternatives to standard Western drugs. A study in JAMA Psychiatry (2013) shows that acupuncture effectively reduces depression symptoms in patients. Furthermore, MacPherson et al. (2013) showed that acupuncture reduces anxiety symptoms in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This evidence therefore supports acupuncture’s ability to treat mental health issues.
Asthma and Respiratory Conditions
TCM and acupuncture benefit patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions. For example, a review by Wu et al. (2016) shows that acupuncture improves lung function and reduces symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moreover, research by the NCCIH supports the use of TCM herbs to manage asthma symptoms. Consequently, these ancient methods offer a natural alternative to drug treatments.
TCM & Acupuncture in Modern Care
Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture play vital roles in treating various illnesses and conditions. As shown by research, these ancient cures effectively treat chronic pain, support cancer treatments, improve fertility, relieve allergies, manage migraines, and address mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, they benefit patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions.
The blend of TCM and acupuncture into modern health care practices is evidence of their strength and value. As health care clinics continue to seek alternative treatments that reduce side effects and improve overall patient care, it is likely that TCM and acupuncture will gain even more standing. The combination of Western medicine and TCM’s whole person approach can finally provide patients with complete, personal care that treats the root causes of their condition.
About the author
Christian Saint-Pierre is a Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese medicine practitioner with 18 years of experience. He works at Access Acupuncture, providing treatments to the communities of Dartmouth, Bedford, Lower Sackville, Hammonds Plains, Beechville, Clayton Park West, and Westphal, NS.