What is acupuncture? The most common acupuncture technique involves penetrating the skin with thin, metallic needles that are then manipulated by the hands for stimulation. In the United states, acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine, is considered a form of alternative medicine. American practitioners of acupuncture have incroporated the best medical traditions of China, Japan, Korea among other countries. The purpose of acupuncture is to restore health by stimulating specific points on the body. A report given at the National Institutes of Health in 1997 stated that thousands of physicians, acupuncturists, and other practitioners use acupuncture to prevent pain and to help with other health conditions as well. A National Health Survey, dated 2007, confirms that over 3 million adults and 150,000 children received acupuncture treatment. …show more content…
Acupuncture is uncomplicated. However, there are still risks involved. Complications were seen when using improperly sterilized needles. The United States FDA clearly insists that practitioners use labeled needles that are standardized. The standard specifies that the needles be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners and that they are sterile and non-toxic. When licensed practioners perform acupuncture, it seldom has side effects. National Institutes of Health has praised acupuncturists for their splendid safety record. If you want to start acupuncture for your fibromyalgia, make sure you communicate with your fibromyalgia doctor