Last post Wed, Jan 30 2008 9:21 AM by Austin76. 5 replies.
A study by German researchers, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, found that 47 percent of patients in the acupuncture group found relief from low back pain as opposed to only 27 percent in the Western conventional medicine group.
Co-author of the study, Dr. Heinz Endres of Ruhr University Bochum in Bochum, Germany, said, "Acupuncture represents a highly promising and effective treatment option for chronic back pain."
Dr. James Young of Chicago's Rush University Medical Center said, "We don't understand the mechanisms of these so-called alternative treatments, but that doesn't mean they don't work."
These findings have already led to more health insurance coverage for acupuncture in Germany. Health insurance companies in the United States need to step up to the plate as well.
the west can definately learn alot from the eastern medicines and practices..i so agree...just waiting for the ins companies to catch on to some preventative medicine...massages would be great for everyone too...theres so much out there..
Some caveats about that study - which to mainstream media is more than happy to ignore often-times.
Lastly, I want to touch on the placebo effect. This is a very valid response (read - it's a real effect) and can be a very important tool in helping people. Using the term "placebo" doesn't mean the treatment is invalid and shouldn't be used. However, we should recognize it and be honest about the way a treatment is portrayed.
Here is a link to the full text of the German acupuncture study for any of you that want to read and come to your own conclusions.
Here is a similar study from the Archives of Internal Medicine that looked at a similar population and with similar results.
not everyone benefits from acupuncture, but it has worked wonders for me! i think it's worth trying
hugs, lola
I have gotten actupunture for food alergies. There is a lot it can be used for.
It worked for me ,and I think it can work for anyone!
