Posts Tagged ‘Acupuncture’

Complementary/Alternative Approaches of Pain

Friday, October 10th, 2008

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient method for relieving pain and controlling disease, used in China for thousands of years. It appears to be effective for some patients with chronic pain.

Thin gold or metal needles, gently twirled for ten to twenty minutes, can be used to stimulate acupuncture points, which relieve pain in specific parts of the body (for example, a point on the leg targets stomach pain). Patients usually feel a tingling, warm sensation, similar to that of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Acupuncture points can also be stimulated with deep massage (acupressure), electric currents (electroacupuncture), or lasers.

The risk of side effects is low. Side effects can include post-needling pain, bleeding, bruising, dizziness, fainting, and local skin reactions. Rarely, organ damage can occur with deep needling techniques. Infection because of inadequately sterilized needles is a hazard; disposable needles are recommended.

Acupuncture is not recommended for patients with serious blood clotting problems. Acupuncture should be used with caution by pregnant women.

Massage
Massage can be a useful addition to a pain management program, especially for patients who are bedridden.

Massage can:

Stimulate blood flow
Relax muscles that are tight or in spasm
Promote a feeling of well-being

Muscles can be stroked, kneaded or rubbed in a circular motion. A lotion can reduce friction on the skin.

Massage is not recommended in cases of swollen tissue. It should be used in addition to, and not instead of, exercise by patients who can walk.

Following websites are aso very useful for alternative pain treatment:
Acne Treatment  
ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)  
Allergies Treatment Blog  
Anxiety Treatment  
Depression Treatment  
Asthma Treatment  
High Cholesterol Treatment  
Natural Treatments to Prevent Osteoporosis  
Migraine headaches  
Pain Treatment  

Alzheimer’s Treatment  
Angina and Heart Disease  
Arthritis Treatment  
Bipolar Disorder Treatment  
Bronchitis Treatment  
Cold & Flu Treatment  
Constipation Treatment  
COPD Treatment  
HIV Aids Treatment  
Cancer Treatment  

Diabetes Type 1 Treatment  
Diabetes Type 2 Treatment  
Diarrhea Treatment  
Eczema Treatment  
Fibromyalgia Treatment  
Gastrointestinal Treatment  
Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease  
Gout Treatment, Causes  
Hay Fever Treatment  
Heart Disease Treatment