Get to the Point: Acupuncture's Health Perks
An estimated 1 million Americans receive acupuncture each year. This painless ancient Chinese needle therapy has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including chronic pain, allergies, headaches, anxiety, depression, infertility and stress relief. It also is effective in supporting stroke recovery and promoting weight loss. But does it work? Research suggests that acupuncture may be helpful for a variety of conditions.
What Acupuncture Can Do
A National Institutes of Health (NIH) panel of experts determined that acupuncture can ease nausea and vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy. The panel also found that acupuncture is helpful in relieving pain after dental surgery. NIH panel members also agreed that acupuncture may be effective in treating a variety of other problems, including:
- low back pain;
- some addictions;
- osteoarthritis.
How Acupuncture Works
While Western science cannot fully explain how acupuncture works, research suggests that it stimulates nerve cells to produce endorphins and other natural painkillers.
If you are considering acupuncture, consult your physician. Acupuncture is just one of the many complementary therapies offered by the Lourdes Wellness Center. All the center's practitioners are certified, compassionate professionals. To schedule an appointment, please call Lourdes Wellness Center at 856-869-3125 or Lourdes Integrative Wellness Center at 609-324-8458.
Sheri McLellan Krauss, Lic. M.Ac.
Sheri McLellan Krauss is one of several certified acupuncturists at Lourdes Wellness Center in Collingswood, N.J., and at Lourdes Integrative Wellness Center in Columbus, N.J.
Join us for FREE lectures about acupuncture this fall. For details, see the Wellness Happenings calendar in this issue.
