ACUPUNCTURE: Safe and effective for pain and nausea treatment

June MONEY MAGAZINE
Health Report 2007

First used more than 2,000 years ago in China, acupuncture was introduced in the U.S. in the 1970s and has grown increasingly popular. It's based on the theory that a vital energy flows through the body along 12 pathways and that blockages of those pathways cause pain. NCCAM says that acupuncture relieves pain and helps minimize nausea after chemotherapy or anesthetic. It's also useful for treating addiction, headache, menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma. Side effects are minimal. Seeking to treat infertility or cancer? Don't risk precious time by trying acupuncture as your first line of attack. "Anyone with cancer or a life-threatening disease should be under the care of an M.D.," says P. Shane Burras, a licensed Los Angeles acupuncturist and treasurer of the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. "Acupuncture," he says, "is a supportive therapy."

It Worked for Them
Two years ago Lauren Campana, sick with mono, could barely swallow. The doctor said she simply had to wait out the illness. Out of desperation, her mother Lori took her to an acupuncturist. To the family's astonishment, Lauren quickly began recovering. Lori then decided to try acupuncture for the digestive problems she had suffered from for 25 years. "Honestly, the next day I felt better," says Lori. She continues monthly treatments and today can eat almost anything without upsetting her stomach. Lori also credits acupuncture for relieving her younger daughter Nicole's allergies. She no longer takes medication, which she had done for 10 years. The therapy has worked so well for the family that Lori is willing to foot the bill, which their insurance doesn't cover. She pays $54 a session thanks to a family discount and estimates that she spent about $900 last year. "For me the price isn't a big factor because I am so happy with it," says Lori.