acupuncture

Acupuncture: a practice of the ancients substantiated by modern medical science

By Barry Bittman, MD

If you believe that acupuncture is just a new age resurrection of an ancient placebo ritual, you may be in for quite a surprise. Over the last few years, the art and science of acupuncture has received considerable attention from two government agencies; the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute of Health (NIH).

In the article, Nod to an Ancient Art, featured in U.S. News & World Report - May 1996, it was reported that the FDA decreed that acupuncture needles are "as respectable a medical tool as a syringe or a scalpel." Just 18 months later, the NIH issued a Consensus Development Statement, documenting acupuncture's efficacy for certain medical conditions.

You're probably asking yourself why the leading medical agencies of our government would even consider devoting time to acupuncture when there are so many serious medical conditions that remain uncontrolled in our society. The answer is straightforward, and actually lies in the question itself. The fact that there are millions of people in our nation suffering from chronic diseases for which there are few effective treatment strategies, is the impetus for exploring other medical approaches.

Our understanding of acupuncture has advanced substantially over the last decade. The term, "acupuncture," is derived from two Latin roots; "acus" or needle, and "punctura" which refers to puncturing the skin. The practice originated in China 5 thousand years ago, and its classical Chinese explanation is based upon encouraging natural healing by balancing channels of energy that run in predictable patterns throughout the body.

Modern medical scientists, however, believe that acupuncture's effects are based upon direct stimulation of the nervous system which releases chemicals or neurotransmitters that affect brain, spinal cord and muscular structures. As discussed in previous columns, acupuncture's composite body effects are perhaps best explained by well-established mind-body, biological links between nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

Despite the fact that the NIH panel noted the need for improved research methods based upon an extensive review of medical research evidence, meaningful conclusions were presented. In its draft consensus statement, pain from musculoskeletal conditions and nausea were listed as the conditions most successfully treated with acupuncture. The panel also commented, "There are other situations such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofacial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma where acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative, or be included in a comprehensive management program."

As a physician dedicated to "whole person" care, I was particularly impressed with the panel's scientific focus and objective approach. The advocacy of integrating acupuncture as one of the potentially beneficial treatment strategies for individuals facing the challenges of chronic pain, simply makes good sense. As noted in my book, Reprogramming Pain (Ablex Medical Publishers - 1996), the concept of combining treatment modalities within a comprehensive pain management program is likely to produce the best chance for overall success.

Yet there's more to choosing a treatment strategy than just considering potential benefits. Medical consumers must also be concerned with the potential for side-effects effects and drug interactions when selecting any treatment approach, even over-the-counter drugs. When one reviews the medical literature for commonly used pain relievers or basic aspirin-like compounds, (medically referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS), it is clear that a number of serious side effects such as ulcers and kidney disease can result from long-term use.

Regarding the safety of acupuncture, the NIH panel concluded, "the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions." The safety factor is also boosted by the mandate of many states including Pennsylvania that require certification for its acupuncturists.

NIH's open-minded, scientific perspectives for acupuncture are already promoting its acceptance in the conventional medical arena. With estimates of more than 10,000 acupuncturists in the U.S., and an expected 20,000 practitioners by the year 2000, clinical research evidence is certain to surface that will help us better understand and treat many challenging illnesses. In this day of modern technology, it's fascinating to discover that the wisdom of the ancients is guiding us again— Mind over Matter!