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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

By Arlene F. Harder, MA, MFT

Here in the West, we accept evidence of medical effectiveness if someone can demonstrate a technique will work for a given condition and if we understand (or think we understand) the basis on which that method works. However, because it is difficult to explain acupuncture from a Western medical scientific model, it has taken a while to accept this technique. The fact that people don't like needles hasn't helped its popularity issue either.

Nevertheless, a number of studies show that acupuncture can relieve pain and side effects of chemotherapy. In fact, Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who helped create the Center for Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health (now the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine), gave an interesting illustration of this when telling the story of his brother, who was in the hospital dying of thyroid cancer and in great pain. While a group of seven medical students were making rounds, an acupuncturist came into the room and placed several needles in his brother's knee. The result was immediate and there were seven very amazed people who became converts to the possibility of acupuncture.

As I recall the story, which was told by Senator Harkin at the Comprehensive Cancer Care II conference in Washington, DC, in June 1999, the relief lasted about two hours and had to be repeated. But having to repeat the process didn't seem a bad price to pay for being conscious in his last days.

Will everyone react this way to acupuncture? Obviously not. Much of the outcome will depend upon the skill of the practitioner and the makeup of the individual. But if you are interested in exploring this technique, we hope the sites listed below will help you decide whether you might want to use acupuncture for pain and nausea relief (and you may be surprised to know it doesn't hurt).

Resources for Acupuncture Information

PLEASE NOTE: Since many references on the Internet include both Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, we list them alphabetically in one group. We recommend you read down to the bottom before selecting one or bookmark the page so you can return for other links. Also, don't forget to read Resources for Learning More About Complementary Medicine.

If you have a moment for a bit of humor, take a look at this cartoon of early acupuncture and you'll see how far we've come.

Acupuncture on HealthWorld

The primary focus of HealthWorld is to prevent disease and help people stay well. Nevertheless, they have a number of excellent articles on dealing with illness and we highly recommend this site as a resource.

American Association of Oriental Medicine

This is a link to the search service of HealthWorld in which you can look for a member of this organization.

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture

If you want sound practical information and support, this site is for you. The page, "Doctor, What's This Acupuncture All About?" and of Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture offers an explanation in easy-to-understand language for consumers. Even better, you can use this site to find a Medical Acupuncturist.

American Journal of Chinese Medicine

This journal is published by the Institute for Advanced Research in Asian Science and Medicine (IARASM), which exists to advance international understanding of science, medical systems, and health care delivery as they have developed and as they exist in Asia. Abstracts of four journals can give you an idea of the amount of research that is being done to evaluate the interaction of Asian and Eastern approaches to science and medicine and their implications for improving the quality and quantity of human life.

Qigong Database

Qigong (tai chi), a component of traditional Chinese medicine, combines meditation with rhythmic physical exercises. The Qigong Institute in San Francisco has compiled a database of over 800 studies on the medical applications of Qigong based on abstracts from nine international Qigong conferences since 1986. Although the Institute acknowledges, "While the research may not always meet strict scientific standards, taken as a whole, the considerable research on Qigong and the favorable results reported indicate that Qigong has the potential to improve Western health care."

The database is a "read-only computer program in English for searching, sorting, and printing records." For inquiries send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Qigong Institute, East West Academy of Healing Arts, 450 Sutter Street, Suite 2104, San Francisco, CA 94108.

Feel the Qi! With Dr. Roger Jahnke, OMD

This website can give you a lot of information on the extensive training of many acupuncturists. His website is a portal to traditional and contemporary information, networking, training, certification, inspiration and more. It is devoted to: Qi, Qi Cultivation, Health Enhancement, Healing, Longevity & Inner PeaceTai Chi (Taiji) & Qigong (Chi Kung)

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