Acupuncture as an Alternative Medical Practice - Essay Example

According to NCCAM (2012), one of the acupuncture techniques that has been majorly studied, scientifically, involves skin penetration with thin metallic needles which are either manipulated by hands or electricity to bring about pain relief. Acupuncture has been traditionally used in China and other Asian countries; however, it is steadily gaining ground all over the world in the wake of globalization. NCCAM (2012) confirms this fact by stating that millions of Americans use acupuncture every year to relieve pain. It is evident that acupuncture is being used to relieve pain among patients, but we should ask ourselves whether it is effective. NCCAM (2012) documents that researchers have studied the effects of acupuncture in managing neck pain, osteoarthritis, shoulder pain, and chronic headaches and established that it is an effective pain reliever.

This finding defeats the notion that acupuncture is a mere placebo and calls for more clinical referrals and research to improve it. Considering that conventional medicines, pain killers, have a myriad of side effects, some of which may be fatal, it is my opinion that alternative medical practices like acupuncture should be explored and developed to accord medical solutions. Further, research has given robust evidence that acupuncture is useful in pain management, and the same must be embraced. However, acupuncturists should take serious precautions to deter its negative effects like allergic reactions and nerve damage. There has to be more research to make acupuncture more effective and to manage its side effects. Read More