How to Treat Angina With Acupuncture

Chinese medicine has used acupuncture as one of the primary treatments for angina for centuries. It's only today, though, that Western scientists are confirming in blind studies that acupuncture has a beneficial effect on the frequency and intensity of angina attacks.

Instructions

1. Consult with your physician. Most doctors have some knowledge of the applicability of acupuncture for angina treatment. These doctors are often open to the idea even if they think it's not helpful. So, you should speak with your doctor to make sure there aren't any medical reasons, related to angina or other conditions, that should prevent you from using acupuncture as an angina treatment.

2. Find a skilled acupuncturist. For the relief of daily stress or the symptoms of a cold, a well trained acupuncturist will do. To treat something as complex and serious as angina, on the other hand, you should find a specialist who is either a Doctor of Oriental Medicine or a licensed MD who has trained to be an acupuncturist. Begin with your own doctor to find a reference to a skilled acupuncturist.

3. Continue with your treatment. Not only is it risky to stop other angina treatments but studies that find continuing intensive medical treatments along with acupuncture is the most effective way to reduce the number of weekly attacks and the intensity of the pain caused by angina. So, stick with your prescribed angina treatment regimen to maximize the positive effects of acupuncture.

4. Go regularly and for a prolonged period of time. To reap the benefits of acupuncture you need to get acupuncture three times a week for a period of few months. Studies show that after four weeks patients who receive acupuncture treatment show significant results. Continue your acupuncture treatment for as long as possible in order for the treatment to have a lasting effect on your angina and quality of life.