Acupuncture Indications

       Acupuncture is the earliest healing art known to man, originated from India but developed by China. Unlike many other traditional methods of treatment, which tend to be specific to their national or cultural context, acupuncture has been used throughout the world, particularly since the 1970s. In recognition of the increasing worldwide interest in the subject, the World Health Organization (WHO) is seriously working on acupuncture. The past two decades have seen extensive studies on acupuncture, and great efforts have been made to conduct controlled clinical trials that include the use of “sham” acupuncture or “placebo” acupuncture controls.
           The World Health Organization (WHO) whose authority concerning health related matters internationally cannot be challenged, has compiled a list of indications. Should a patient, insurance company or curious patient or colleague require proof of acupuncture’s effectiveness, the following list is something you will want to keep on file. Its use will be inevitable.
           In an official released report“Acupuncture review and analysis of reports on controlled clinical trials” of The World Health Organization (WHO)listedthe following symptoms, diseases and conditions as below:

• Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved—through controlled trials—to be an effective treatment:

• Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown but for which further proof is nee
  

.

• Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which there are only individual controlled trials reporting some therapeutic effects, but for which acupuncture is worth trying because treatment by conventional and other therapies is difficult:

• Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture may be tried provided the practitioner has special modern medical knowledge and adequate monitoring equipment:
   

Breathlessness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Coma Convulsions in infants Coronary heart disease (angina pectoris)

Diarrhoea in infants and young children Encephalitis, viral, in children, late stage Paralysis, progressive bulbar and pseudobulbar

Availability, practicability and Safety

           The advantages of acupuncture are that it is simple, convenient and has few contraindications. It is safe if it is performed properly by a well-trained practitioner. Unlike many drugs, it is non-toxic, and adverse reactions are minimal. This is probably one of the chief reasons why acupuncture is so popular in the treatment of chronic pain in many countries.

             In developing countries, where medical personnel and medicines are still lacking, the need for acupuncture may be considerable and urgent; proper use of this simple and economic therapy could benefit a large number of patients. On the other hand, in developed countries, where the health system is well established, with sophisticated technology, adequate personnel and a well-equipped infrastructure, acupuncture might be considered to be of great value in only a limited number of conditions. It could still serve as a valuable alternative or complementary or ‘add on’ treatment for many diseases or conditions for which modern conventional treatments are unsuccessful. It is also valuable in situations where the patient is frightened of the potential risks or adverse effects of modern conventional treatments. In fact, in some developed countries, the diseases for which patients seek help from acupuncturists tend to be beyond the scope of orthodox medicine.

           We believe & practice to maintain high standards of medical ethics thro’ evidence-based, yet humanistic and patient-oriented approach. Myself and my team invite your valuable suggestions, comments and constructive criticism. When acupuncture  is combined with Modern Medicine, it is  ADDING LIFE TO YEARS. Can’t believe !, Just visit our institute as a visitor and  see us in action. We have free educative programmes to make you more healthier.

Published by Govindram Varma Charitable Trust, Hubli for public awareness