Medical acupuncture is, in essence, the same practice as traditional oriental acupuncture. However, the medical acupuncturist may use an array of medical diagnoses before deciding which acupuncture algorithm to choose. In traditional acupuncture, an acupuncturist applies needles to unblock energy channels, or meridians, in the body and allow energy, or chi, to flow more freely. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that as energy begins to flow more freely, imbalances in the body correct themselves. In medical acupuncture, the acupuncturist may wish to influence pain pathways, alter autonomic nervous system function or even influence gene expression. The aim is to allow the body to self-regulate, reduce pain, restore normal function and improve well-being.
All acupuncture techniques should strive for validity though scientific research and clinical outcomes. Organizations such as the Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation (MARF) are leading the way in helping doctors decide which acupuncture techniques offer the best outcomes. Ultimately, our aim as physicians is to provide the best treatment possible for our patients.
About the Author: Dr. Steve Amoils serves as President of the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.