By Karla Sullivan
Though acupuncture is an ancient but respected Asian treatment, it seems to be gaining more prominence in helping alleviate symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia here in the United States.
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
According to the Arthritis Foundation, the theory involves an essential life energy that flows through the body along 20 invisible channel meridians. When the flow of this energy is blocked, being out of balance can eventually cause pain or illness. Over 2000 acupuncture points connect to the meridians. Stimulating those points with needles may correct the flow as well as releasing the natural pin-fighting endorphins. Acupuncture tells the body where the fight is.
Some studies suggest that acupuncture is just a placebo effect and doesn’t work at all. Just this month, according to Harvard Medical the Journal of the American Medical Association offered little proof that acupuncture could alleviate knee pain symptoms. On the other hand, it is only one study and according to Dr. Peter Wayne, research director of the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, we just don’t know enough.
However, last year Harvard Medical acknowledged an international team of experts that adds evidence that acupuncture does provide real relief. The team pooled the results of 29 studies, involving nearly 18,000 participants. Some had acupuncture, some had sham acupuncture and some didn’t have any treatment. Overall, acupuncture relieved pain by about 50 percent. This is not to say that acupuncture can cure terminal illness but when in pain, discomfort or stiffness that doesn’t seem to improve, it is worth trying acupuncture since it rarely causes any bodily harm.
Each state regulatory board carries the requirements for licensure. A table of these requirements is listed on the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Acupuncture studies were pain has improved is through multiple sessions of acupuncture such as being treated once or twice a week with monthly maintenance after. Ask your doctor for a trusted recommendation if you are interested in receiving treatments.
The cost of acupuncture can range from $50 to $125 per session and if on Medicare or Medicaid, this will not be covered. However, more and more insurers are covering acupuncture and the cost is usually based on the number of sessions. Check with your insurance.
You want to find out how many treatments will be covered, how much does the insurance company pay, is there a co-pay for a acupuncture practitioner in your provider network, will you need a referral, deductible concerns, and the condition that is being treated.
