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ACUPUNCTURE
For thousands of years Chinese doctors have used acupuncture to treat everything from headaches to infertility. But until recently Western medicine has scoffed. Now the therapy is approaching mainstream. In 1997, after reviewing mountains of research, a National Institutes of Health panel concluded that needling can indeed relieve nausea and certain types of pain, particularly discomfort after dental surgery.
The technique may also ameliorate migraine and tension headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, low back pain, asthma, and carpal tunnel syndrome, though the panel judged the evidence for these uses less convincing. Some scientists believe the needles stimulate nerves in muscles, which then tell the brain to unleash endorphins, or natural painkillers. Therapy for migraine headaches might involve one session a week for up to ten weeks, with periodic follow-ups.
The bottom line:
In 1996 the needles were formally recognized by the federal government as medical devices, meaning insurers are more likely to cover treatment. Many states regulate acupuncturists; call your health department to find out more. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine requires members to undergo extensive training.
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