Talk:Acupuncture

Change X - [Acupuncture is a pseudoscience;[4][5] the theories and practices of TCM are not based on scientific knowledge,[6] and it has been characterized as quackery.[7][8][9][10][11]]

to Y – [Acupuncture is one of the treatment modalities used in Traditional Medicine and is used to manage various signs, symptoms, and conditions in the body. Acupuncture is defined as the evaluation or treatment that is effected by stimulating certain body points by the insertion of pre-sterilized, single-use, disposable needles, unless medically contraindicated. "Acupuncture" includes, but is not limited to, stimulation that may be effected by the application of heat, including far infrared, or cold, electricity, electro or magnetic stimulation, cold laser, vibration, cupping, gua sha, manual pressure, or other methods, with or without the concurrent use of needles, to prevent or modify the perception of pain, to normalize physiological functions, or for the treatment of diseases or dysfunctions of the body and includes the determination of a care regimen or treatment protocol according to traditional East Asian principles. [Citation: Acupuncture Practice Act. Illinois General Assembly. http://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1290&ChapAct=225%20ILCS%202/&ChapterID].

There is a range of acupuncture technological variants that originated in different philosophies,[12] and techniques vary depending on the country in which it is performed. However, it can be divided into two main foundational philosophical applications and approaches; the first being the modern standardized form called eight principles TCM and the second being an older system that is based on the ancient Daoist wuxing, better known as the five elements or phases in the West.[13][14][15] Acupuncture is most often used to attempt pain relief,[16][17] though acupuncturists say that it can also be used for a wide range of other conditions. Acupuncture is generally used only in combination with other forms of treatment.[18] The global acupuncture market was worth US$24.55 billion in 2017. The market was led by Europe with a 32.7% share, followed by Asia-Pacific with a 29.4% share and the Americas with a 25.3% share. It was estimated in 2021 that the industry would reach a market size of US$55 billion by 2023.[19]

Change X – [The conclusions of trials and systematic reviews of acupuncture generally provide no good evidence of benefit, which suggests that it is not an effective method of healthcare.[20][21]]

to Y – [Historical records as old as 3,500 years demonstrate the effectiveness of Acupuncture in relieving physical ailments, supporting disease prevention, and promoting health and wellness. [Citation: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/wellness/integrative/treatments-services/acupuncture]. Acupuncture is generally safe when done by appropriately trained practitioners using clean needle technique and single-use needles.[22][23] When properly delivered, it has a low rate of mostly minor adverse effects.[3][22] When accidents and infections do occur, they are associated with neglect on the part of the practitioner, particularly in the application of sterile techniques.[16][23] A review conducted in 2013 stated that reports of infection transmission increased significantly in the preceding decade.[24] The most frequently reported adverse events were pneumothorax and infections.[16] Since serious adverse events continue to be reported, it is recommended that acupuncturists be trained sufficiently to reduce the risk.[16]

Change X – [Scientific investigation has not found any histological or physiological evidence for traditional Chinese concepts such as qi, meridians, and acupuncture points,[c][28] and many modern practitioners no longer support the existence of life force energy (qi) or meridians, which was a major part of early belief systems.[12][29][30]]

to Y - However, modern research substantiates the effectiveness of Acupuncture. Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have shown that acupuncture elicits changes in the brain that correlate with neurological effects. [Citation: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/wellness/integrative/treatments-services/acupuncture] As confirmed by the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, “Acupuncture affects the limbic and para-limbic networks in the brain and has a deep hemodynamic response, which is influenced by the psychophysical response. Acupuncture also stimulates the nervous system and improves conduction and communication between nerves. This improved functioning of the nervous system stimulates neurotransmitter actions and the release of the body’s natural endorphins and other opioids. For example, serotonin may be released following acupuncture, therefore helping patients feel more relaxed and sustain a sense of well-being that lasts for hours thereafter, if not longer. Research has also shown acupuncture’s ability in relieving myofascial pain by releasing muscular trigger points with ensuing concomitant anti-inflammatory effects.” [Citation: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/wellness/integrative/treatments-services/acupuncture] Acupuncture is believed to have originated around 100 BC in China, around the time The Inner Classic of Huang Di (Huangdi Neijing) was published,[31] though some experts suggest it could have been practiced earlier.[13] Over time, conflicting claims and belief systems emerged about the effect of lunar, celestial and earthly cycles, yin and yang energies, and a body's "rhythm" on the effectiveness of treatment.[32] Acupuncture fluctuated in popularity in China due to changes in the country's political leadership and the preferential use of rationalism or scientific medicine.[31] Acupuncture spread first to Korea in the 6th century AD, then to Japan through medical missionaries,[33] and then to Europe, beginning with France.[31] In the 20th century, as it spread to the United States and Western countries, spiritual elements of acupuncture that conflicted with scientific knowledge were sometimes abandoned in favor of simply tapping needles into acupuncture points.[31][34][35]

Add Y – [Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions. [Citation: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture].

Add Y – [The precision of Acupuncture principles lie in the perception of disharmony, in its ability to recognize signs and symptoms, a pattern that becomes the basis for treatments. In the initial step of diagnosis, a disease has been identified in the Western Biomedical approach, then Acupuncturists are required to enter the second step of diagnosis to understand the relationship of the disease and the body. This in known as 'pattern of disharmony.' For example, Acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments are dependent on restoration of balance. The Nei Jing asserts that the nature of any entity, living or not, is determined by the intrinsic balance between opposing states, Yin and Yang. Disturbances in balance result in changes in nature, often expressed in living systems in the form of symptoms or signs of disease. Acupuncture treatments are intended to restore balance. Balance is accomplished by influencing the vital energy, the Qi. In the TCM paradigm, Qi flows through channels in the body and in the spaces between muscles and the skin. Qi has many functions including warming, moistening, and nourishing; promoting normal function of the organs; providing energy for different processes; regulating the body; protecting the body; and ensuring that organs remain in their proper positions. A very important role of Qi is in maintaining balance. In this sense, it is a homeostatic mechanism by which the body can heal itself and establish a state of wellness. If Qi encounters a Yin–Yang imbalance, Qi corrects the situation by transforming one to the other, thus restoring balance and harmony. If, however, a blockage exists that impedes the flow of Qi, a factor is present that is interfering with the Qi, or if there is a Deficiency of Qi, this healing transformation does not take place. There are TCM techniques for opening blocked channels; for expelling pathogenic factors that are interfering with normal processes; and for boosting Qi in cases of Deficiency. [Citation: Aung SK, Fay H, Hobbs RF 3rd. Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Basis for Treating Psychiatric Disorders: A Review of Theory with Illustrative Cases. Med Acupunct. 2013 Dec 1;25(6):398-406. doi: 10.1089/acu.2013.1007. PMID: 24761185; PMCID: PMC3870484. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3870484/]

Change X: [Clinical practice Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine.[2] It is used most commonly for pain relief,[16][17] though it is also used to treat a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture is generally only used in combination with other forms of treatment.[18] For example, the American Society of Anesthesiologists states it may be considered in the treatment of nonspecific, noninflammatory low back pain only in conjunction with conventional therapy.[36] ] to

to Y: Clinical Practice Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine.[2] It is used most commonly for pain relief,[16][17] though it is also used to treat a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture is generally only used in combination with other forms of treatment.[18] For example, the American Society of Anesthesiologists states it may be considered in the treatment of nonspecific, noninflammatory low back pain only in conjunction with conventional therapy.[36] Practitioners who practice Acupuncture are trained and take didactical coursework and clinical practice in their education; and, pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) board exams, or a state-specific licensing exam in California. [Citation: https://www.nccaom.org/] The Acupuncture training program includes techniques such as cupping, gua sha tui na, moxibustion, herbal medicine, lifestyle and nutrition based on Traditional Medicine principles. [Citation: https://www.nccaom.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/NCCAOM-Acupuncture-Certification-Fact-Sheet-New-Branding.pdf] There is current research supporting that acupuncture has efficacy with pain management being the most well-known application. [Citation: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763] Conceptually, it is believed to stimulate the body's meridians, or energy-carrying channels, in an attempt to correct imbalances and to restore health. These benefits are thought to be derived from the proximity of acupoints with nerves through intracellular calcium ions. This lesson outlines a brief history of acupuncture and how it may be used to treat various types of physical and emotional pain and specific conditions, including overactive bladder and psoriasis. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to enhance endogenous opiates, such as dynorphin, endorphin, encephalin, and release corticosteroids, relieving pain and enhancing the healing process. [Citation: Patil S, Sen S, Bral M, Reddy S, Bradley KK, Cornett EM, Fox CJ, Kaye AD. The Role of Acupuncture in Pain Management. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2016 Apr;20(4):22. doi: 10.1007/s11916-016-0552-1. PMID: 26896946. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26896946/] Of particular note is that Acupuncture is now incorporated by highly-acclaimed Western Medicine providers as part of a treatment plan for numerous conditions. The world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center endorses the newly updated Society of Integrative Oncology’s recommendations for acupuncture for breast cancer patients with joint pain. [citation: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/therapies/acupuncture; https://old-prod.asco.org/sites/new-www.asco.org/files/content-files/practice-patients/documents/2022-Integrative-Pain-Management-Slides.pdf]. Medical institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, National Cancer Institute, City of Hope, and Cleveland Clinic also integrate Acupuncture into their patients care programs. [Citations: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/wellness/integrative/treatments-services/acupuncture; https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763; https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/acupuncture-pdq; https://www.cityofhope.org/patients/living-with-cancer/wellness-during-and-after-cancer-treatment/integrative-therapies] Sam Collins 33 (talk) 19:39, 24 September 2024 (UTC)[reply]