There are several alternative treatments and therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and mediation which do not belong directly to medical science, but are gaining a lot of popularity. Unfortunately, not much research and evaluation has been carried out on these types of alternative treatments, because the process is also not easy.

Some natural herbal products have been popularized for some specific illnesses, but they have not always been successful. Arthritis pain has shown to be cured by extracts from the hot chili pepper or the capsicum or saw palmetto preparations can cure benign prostatic hypertrophy. Another instance of botanical or herbal medicine is the ginkgo, which is used to cure dementia caused by circulation problems.

The actual practice of acupuncture involves understanding the centers and meridians of the body, and where the points that control various organs and bodily systems are. It involves the use of pressure, often applied by inserting fine steel needles into the body, at those points and manipulating those needles to achieve certain effects.

The diagnosis and treatment in acupuncture has its basis on the fact that the ear is the main center of the bodily organs. Let us take an example. If a patient has a liver problem, then the needle is stuck at a certain point on the ear, which directly corresponds to the liver.

Acupuncturists tend to perceive TCM (traditionsal chinese medecine) concepts in functional rather than structural terms, i.e. As the NIH consensus statement noted: "Despite considerable efforts to understand the anatomy and physiology of the "acupuncture points", the definition and characterization of these points remains controversial. TCM sees the body as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow or passive principle and yang the hot, excited or active principle.

Is Acupuncture worth the risks and benefits, The chinese believe that Disease is caused by an imbalance of these forces and can be rectified by regulating the flow of energy in these meridians. Traditional practitioners say this is done by re balancing the Yin and Yang, unblocking Chi, along with various other mystical explanations. In mainstream medicine, acupuncture is known to work as a form of pain relief

Acupuncture is not a painful process. When the needles are inserted at certain body points, there may be a slight irritation, especially on the face or on certain points of the body, which are more delicate than others.

It is interesting to compare the risks of acupuncture in relation to its benefits. If there is even a slight risk involved in the treatment and it is not proving to be beneficial at all, people will not opt for it. But if the therapy can be life saving, then people are ready to take bigger risks.

Before starting an acupuncture treatment, inform your acupuncturist about any medical treatment that you are undergoing, and the same applies to your doctor, who should be aware of your acupuncture treatment. In a normal situation both treatments can work well side by side and problems may arise only if the patient is sensitive to the treatment or if there is a flaw in it.

Acupuncture treatment is effective for post-operative pain, migraines and nausea. There should be more research done so that it can be used to treat other medical conditions as well.

Health Products on our marketplace

For up to date facts:: A website dedicated to facts and articles about acupuncture can be found hereAll about-Acupuncture Care of your diebetes and more conditionAcupuncture facts