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Is Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Safe?

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are gaining popularity among Americans for treating diseases that are resistant to medical therapies. These Chinese treatment methods are based on the mystical belief that a cosmic energy, Chi, flows throughout the human body and its blockage results in illness or pain.

Using acupuncture and Chinese medicine (mainly herbs) restores the Chi flow to normal and thus cures the illness. Acupuncture attempts to arrive at this aim by inserting needles into specific points on the skin (or on the external ear). Several medical authorities and professionals have lately challenged acupuncture and Chinese medicine as not free of risk.

Risks Associated with Traditional Chinese Treatment

A number of risks are associated with acupuncture. For example, if the needle handling is not carried out with care, it can cause fainting, hematoma (localized bleeding that can shift along the organ's length), punctured lung, convulsions, and localized infections. If the needles used are not sterilized, Hepatitis B might result. Skin diseases and nerve damage are other risks. However, more than one study confirms that if a trained physician is performing the acupuncture, then the practice is virtually risk-free.

Standards of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

The standards of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have not been fully approved by the FDA. Acupuncture needles are not recommended for using more than once. Certification of acupuncture today remains a sham in most American physicians. The goal of this sham is making money by cashing the desperation of patients who have not benefited from medical treatments.

The National Council Against Health Fraud has declared acupuncture as an unproven means of treatment whose concepts of healing are primitive and false. The perceived positive effects of acupuncture are regarded as the result of the patient's own expectations and placebo effect.

Herbal Chinese Medicine

Unlike acupuncture, herbal Chinese medicine seems to be finding favor among researchers. Studies reveal that these herbal medicines rarely evoke any adverse reactions. In fact, they appear more successful in their safety than most pharmaceutical drugs. Both traditional and modern herbal formulas are now commercially available for use by people of all ages and any physical constitution.

Chinese herbal medicines are being used for treating digestive problems, psychological disorders, gynecological problems, allergic conditions, immunity problems, children's illnesses, pain, respiratory diseases, and addictive disorders (alcoholism, smoking etc.).

A strikingly successful point about Chinese herbal medicine is that pregnant women can use most of them without any risk. However, it is always recommended to consult the physician before taking herbal formulas.