Acupuncture Overview

 
 
  Summary:Acupuncture originated 5,000 years ago in China. Today it is commonly used throughout the world. Chinese medicine theory holds that the human body contains a network of energy pathways through which vital energy, called "chi" (also spelled "qi"), circulates. These pathways are called "meridians." The meridians contain specific "points" that function like gates, allowing chi to flow through the body. Needles are inserted into these points to regulate the flow of chi. Illness and symptoms are thought caused by problems in the circulation of chi through the meridians.Scientific Evidence:Uses These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.   Read more

 

rVita Treatment Chart for Acupuncture

Condition
Scientific Rating
From Natural Standards
User Reviews
10=Highest
rVita Composite Score
Menopausal Symptoms Strong Evidence Write a review Highly Recommend
Pain Good Evidence Write a review Recommend
Insomnia Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Cold Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Asthma Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Back Pain Unclear or Conflicting Evidence 10 -
Migraine Unclear or Conflicting Evidence 10 -
Gastrointestinal disorders Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Anxiety Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Infertility (Female) Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Allergies Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Leukemia Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Depression Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Stress Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Lower Back Pain Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Stomach Ailments Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Arthritis Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Infertility (Male) Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Fertility & Pregnancy Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
Headache Unclear or Conflicting Evidence 10 -
Diabetes Unclear or Conflicting Evidence Write a review -
 
How Scientific Ratings are Derived
 

Acupuncture Expert Articles

Answers to Common Migraine Questions

by: Diana Abovsky
December 10, 2007
What are tension headaches?A tension headache is the most common type of headache. The pain is usually felt all over the head as opposed to one specific painful spot. Neck muscles may also be tight and painful. Stress can trigger or worsen a tension headache.
Read more  |  Read All

Treating Stomach Ailments with Rhubarb

by: Natural Standard Collaboration
January 22, 2008
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), rhubarb is used as an ulcer remedy and it is considered a bitter, cold, dry herb used to "clear heat" from the liver, stomach, and blood. One double-blind controlled trial examined the effect of the herbal extract "Amaro Medicinale Giuliani" and its constituents, including rhubarb, on mild gastrointestinal disturbances.
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TCM Diet Recommendations

by: David Melly, MS, LAc
February 14, 2008
Diet Diet plays an important role in improving and sustaining your health. My dietary recommendations are based on TCM approaches, which view diet as very specific to the individual patient and his or her condition. Rather than focusing on which foods to avoid, I will suggest foods to add or emphasize in your diet.
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Acupuncture News and Blogs

Natural Medicine: Acupuncture Pins Down Seasonal Allergy Relief
seattlepi.nwsource.com - January 12, 2008
According to a 2004 study published by Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be safe and effective treatment options for patients with seasonal allergies.
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Yoga as Medicine
www.YogaJournal.com - December 22, 2007
Yoga as medicine is being the featured topic of this year's yoga conference.
Read All
 
Study Says Acupuncture Eases Arthritis Pain
www.washingtonpost.com - January 4, 2008
Acupuncture alleviates pain and improves movement for elderly people suffering from arthritis in their knees, according to a major federally sponsored study released yesterday.
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Study: Acupuncture May Help Menstrual Pain
www.foxnews.com - February 27, 2008
According to a new German study, women experiencing menstrual pain and cramps reported significant improvement in their after only three months of treatment.  Click the link to read more.
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Chronic Pain and Acupuncture
gothamacupuncture.typepad.com - March 21, 2008
Chronic pain effects millions of Americans every year.  Here you can read about how acupuncture is used in the treatment of various types of chronic pain. An acupuncturist and student of martial arts, Steve Pang publishes the blog Gotham Acupuncture.
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Acupuncture Latest Reviews

I tried acupuncture along with a migraine medicine my doctor prescribed. Instead of having two migraines a week, I only have one a month. As an added benefit, acupuncture also seemed to help with my anemia.

March 22, 2008
by: GERARD

I tried acupuncture along with a migraine medicine my doctor prescribed. Instead of having two migraines a week, I only have one a month. As an added benefit, acupuncture also seemed to help with my anemia.

May 19, 2008
by: SELINA

I used to have a severe case of migraines and finally they were cured by acupuncture. It took a while but the results are good.

NA   March 1, 2008
by: Mona

I had low back pain so severe it caused me to limp and I could not do many activities that I enjoyed. I had tried many different things for the pain including medications and chiropractic but after I started receiving acupuncture on a regular basis my back pain went away. Now, I receive regular treatments once a month and it regulates my health and stops the pain.

Ms   July 22, 2008
by: Mary
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