How to Relieve Back Pain Through Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a healing approach based on old Chinese teachings. In this discipline, needles--about equal in diameter to a guitar string--are used to lightly puncture the skin at various parts of the body. Acupuncture theory maintains that this clears blockages, facilitating the flow of the body's natural painkillers and ultimately helping the body to heal itself. Many belive acupuncture can be used to treat a wide array of conditions, including back pain, herpes, eczema, acne, arthritis and bronchitis.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access for reviewing acupuncturists

1. Get help. Seek the care of a qualified acupuncturist. Locate local acupuncturists and learn about your state's requirements for licensing by visiting the Acufinder Web site (see Resources below).

2. Make an appointment with the acupuncturist you selected through the Acufinder Web site. Tell him or her all of your symptoms, and describe the pain as best you can (try to explain whether your pain is sharp, shooting, dull or lingering).

3. Follow your acupuncturist's treatment plan. He or she will advise you to participate in a certain number of sessions. Treatment will likely focus on the urinary bladder meridian, found behind the knee.

4. Consider self-treatment. Though it sounds daunting, it is possible to treat yourself through acupuncture. Such an approach requires proper training. Visit the Acupuncture Web site for a list of schools in your area (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Acupuncture rates vary from moderate to expensive. Costs will depend on the acupuncturist's experience and credentials, and the city in which he or she practices.
• Treatment for most maladies spans no more than 10 to 15 sessions. However, in the case of chronic conditions, as many as 20 to 30 sessions may be needed.
• Acupuncture is covered by many healthcare plans. It is not, however, covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
• Herbs and supplements may be prescribed by your acupuncturist to support treatment. These are usually inexpensive to moderately priced--which is a good thing, since this aspect of treatment is not covered by insurance plans.
• If suffering from severe symptoms such as the vomiting of blood, do not attempt to treat your condition through acupuncture. Seek the care of a physician.
• Don't attempt to treat yourself through acupuncture without the proper training. Serious side effects such as infection can result if acupuncture is performed without adequate prior knowledge.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.

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