Any type of therapy which does not belong to hard-core medicine has not been thoroughly researched or critically evaluated. That is why there have been many practical difficulties in order to review alternative therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and meditation, both for those who support such therapies or criticize them.



Alternative treatments that become popular are often not the most interesting prospects. In botanical medicine, for example, there is research showing the benefit of herbal products such as ginkgo for improving dementia due to circulation problems; benign prostatic hypertrophy with saw palmetto preparations; and arthritis pain with extracts of the hot chili pepper (capsicum).

The theory of acupuncture is based on the application of pressure on the points of the body which control the organs and bodily systems. For this, the acupuncturist needs to have a through knowledge of the centers and meridians of the body. The pressure is applied with the help of fine steel needles which are pierced into the body at certain points and the needles are moved around to attain the required effect.

So if you have a liver problem, the needle will be inserted into a definite point on the ear, because that is the corresponding point for the organ. The science of acupuncture is based on the belief that the ear is the organ that is connected directly to the bodily organs.

Risks and benefits of Acupuncture It is a treatment based on traditional Chinese medicine, also known as TCM. It has been difficult for traditional medicine to understand the importance of the "acupuncture points" and hence the treatment is still controversial. Yin and yang are the two inseparable and opposing forces of the body which are harmoniously balanced. Yin implies the cold and slow principle, whereas yang's principles are just the opposite, as they represent the heat, excitement and activity of the body.

All about Acupuncture risks and benefits Disease hits a person when the forces become imbalanced, which is the belief of the Chinese. In order to bring back normalcy and health into the body, the flow of energy in the body meridians have to be regularized. Hence the yin and the yang are rebalanced and the Chi is unblocked. Normally, acupuncture is used for pain relief in addition to normal medical treatment of any kind.

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.

It is advisable to inform your GP if you are receiving acupuncture, and likewise you should inform your acupuncturist if you are on any medication. The extent and severity of these temporary aggravations will depend on the skill and experience of the acupuncturist, the sensitivity of the patient, and the type of problem.

It has often been recommended to have more research on how acupuncture can be effective for illnesses which are still not treated by it. Some of the physical problems for which acupuncture is commonly used are nausea, migraines and post-operative pain.