"Will Acupuncture Work for Me?"

The July/August 2011 issue of the Clinical Journal of Pain includes a German randomized-control study investigating potential patient characteristics that could predict positive outcomes to acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain. Nearly 10,000 individuals were included in the study, all of whom received routine standard therapies with half receiving acupuncture over a three-month period. Although not statistically significant, the acupuncture group showed greater pain relief than the routine treatment only group. Potential predictors of positive outcomes include living in a multi-person household, former positive experience with acupuncture, female gender, and failure of other therapies.

These results support the contention that acupuncture, like many other therapies, is a helpful modality that may work better in some people than in others, Naturally, more studies are necessary to further investigate potential effect modifiers, however there is no strong evidence that you have to believe in acupuncture for it to work or that a practitioner can tell acupuncture is going to work for an individual based solely on their demographics and health history.

Have A Happy July 4th Weekend!

Honest Intentions

What is the definition of honesty? I looked it up and here are a couple of definitions that  I found 

“Fairness and straightforwardness of conduct" 

“Adherence to the facts”

Honest communication can be extremely liberating and sometimes painful. Personally I feel that honesty is relative to the person telling the “truth”. I believe that the intent behind the message is what is most important.

Update ~ The "Doctor" Of Toothpick Acupuncture Arrested

On May 23rd, I posted a story about a “doctor” who used toothpicks (yes, regular old toothpicks) as an acupuncture treatment. Apparently he posted ads in Bulgarian language newspapers in Illinois to attract patients. The patient, who was treated with toothpicks, eventually suspected that something was not right, and called the police. I am pleased to let you know that the Niles police arrested

Have a Headache? Acupuncture Provides Help Quickly!

Acupuncture Point LI 4
Headaches and migraines are a common complaint in my Chicago acupuncture practice. As many of you know, the pain of migraines can be debilitating and the side effects of painkillers can be harsh. Acupuncture provides powerful relief without the side effects of prescription medications and has a long history (thousands of years) of relieving headaches as well as their

Want More? I Am Also Blogging About Chinese Medicine On Tree.com

I've been blogging for about 3 years now and loving the opportunity to share ideas from Traditional Chinese Medicine. I also have found that  blogging has encouraged me to stay very up-to-date about research and the practice of acupuncture and herbs.  Just recently, in addition to this blog, I've become a blogger for the Tree.com Health & Wellness channel.  I'm delighted that my posts for Tree

The Great Wall of China Is Still Standing

  
The Great Wall of China
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." ~ David Brinkley