How to Relieve Knee Pain Through Acupuncture

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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First used in China, acupuncture is said to predate recorded history. In this discipline, disease is cured and prevented via the insertion of ultra-fine needles in specific areas of the body. This process is said to encourage the body to produce its own natural pain-killers and accelerate healing. Many belive acupuncture can be used to treat a plethora of maladies, including knee pain, menstrual cramps, sore throat, earaches, stroke, high blood pressure and constipation.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Computer with Internet access for contacting acupuncturists

Step 1

Unlock the secrets of the urinary bladder meridian. You'll find this point in the area behind your knee. Relieve knee and leg problems by applying acupuncture to this area. It's also used to help relieve back pain, and to treat hip impairment and muscular atrophy.
Step 2

Find a qualified acupuncturist by visiting the Acufinder Web site (see Resources below).
Step 3

Visit the acupuncturist you choose and create a treatment plan with him or her. Treatment includes a certain number of acupuncture sessions as well as complementary herb or vitamin treatments.
Step 4

Get faster and more lasting results. Consider combining acupuncture treatment with acupressure for maximum impact.

Tips & Warnings

Acupuncture tends to be moderate in cost, but it can get expensive. The education and experience of your acupuncturist will influence rates.
Acupuncture is a well-recognized therapy, and is covered through many insurance plans. Remember, however, that some require pre-authorization. Acupuncture is not covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
Your acupuncturist may prescribe herbs and supplements to as part of your treatment. These tend to be inexpensive to moderate in cost, and are not covered by insurance. Ten to 15 sessions of acupuncture is the prescribed treatment for most ailments. Chronic conditions, though, may require twice as many sessions.
Your first acupuncture session will be your costliest, but rates for subsequent sessions (with the same therapist) are less so.
Potentially life-threatening symptoms, such as extreme chest pain, should not be treated through acupuncture. Seek the care of a physician.
In untrained hands, acupuncture can trigger serious conditions like liver toxicity. Don't attempt to treat yourself with acupuncture unless you've received the necessary training.
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.