Alternative Medical Treatment May Be Right for You
By Paul Rothbart
There are a number of alternative medical treatments that use practices and therapies that are not generally a part of traditional western medicine. To some, these seem like hip, modern trends -- most of them have been around for quite a while, some since ancient times. Modern science has dismissed some of these treatments or found inclusive evidence of their effectiveness But there are three in particular that have helped many people gain some acceptance in the medical community. They are: acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment. Practitioners believe the body has 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways. By inserting a needle into the correct point, it is believed that many different afflictions can be treated. For those who have not experienced acupuncture, it sounds invasive and painful. However the needles are very thin, much smaller than those used in inoculations. Most acupuncture patients report that the pain, if any, is minimal. The needles are believed to stimulate the central nervous system, which helps the treatment. Acupuncture has gained credibility. The National Institutes of Health has shown that either alone or in combination with traditional treatments, acupuncture can help treat headaches, fibromyalgia, asthma, and a number of other common ailments.
Acupressure
Acupressure also dates back to ancient China and works on the same principles as acupuncture. It does not use needles and thus is not invasive. In acupressure, the healer presses against the acupuncture points with a finger. This is done to stimulate energy flow along the pathway connected to the point. Though it doesn't use needles, there is some pain from pressing on the points. There has not been as much research into the effectiveness of acupressure, but some small studies have shown that it can help reduce pain and nausea experienced after a surgical procedure.
Chiropractic
Of this trio of alternative practices, chiropractic is the new kid on the block, being just over a century old. It is non-invasive and the majority of patients experience minimal pain or none at all. Chiropractic care is also the one that has been the most researched and most accepted. It is recognized as a viable form of treatment by the medical community and has helped millions of patients. With gentle adjustments to the spine and joints, chiropractors can treat back and neck pain, range of motion limitations in joints, and improve overall health by improving the functionality of the spine and the central nervous system it encases.
Alternative forms of medical treatment are well worth considering. Acupuncture and acupressure are often effective, but have not been as thoroughly researched as chiropractic. Chiropractors have arrived, so to speak, and taken their place in the medical community. Consider stopping by The Joint Chiropractic to find out if this form of alternative treatment is right for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractor in Greenwood, Ind.