Argumentative Essay On Acupuncture

As our world continues to explore new methods, there are more and more ways to avoid using traditional medical treatment. This is called alternative therapy. Alternative therapy is an alternative to conventional medical treatment. Effective forms of therapy are not always traditional; there are alternative therapies that can provide the same, if not even greater results. Cancer is a known illness and acupuncture is a very common alternative therapy used to treat many symptoms of cancer. The discussion will include the history and philosophy, the effects and costs of acupuncture, as well as if I would recommend this for others. Acupuncture is defined as the application of stimulation such as needling, moxibustion, cupping, and acupressure of

This technique continued to develop in China and became a Chinese traditional medication. It was practiced there as well as other Asian countries for thousands of years. As the technique continued to develop, the first documentation of this practice found “the concepts of channels (meridians or conduits) in which the Qi (vital energy or life force) flowed are well established by this time” (White & Ernst 2004). Once the precise anatomical locations were identified during the Ming Dynasty, there were 365 points where needles could be inserted to alter the Qi or flow of energy. The therapy took much longer to reach the United States and it has been practiced for about 200 years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the acupuncture needle as a medical device in 1996 (Cancer.gov 2016). The philosophy behind acupuncture has not been compromised with its use in western countries. UC

There has not been complete evidence to prove exactly how it works, but there have been theories. Dr. Morry Silberstein of the Curtin University of Technology believes, “the insertion of the acupuncture needle disrupts this circuit and numbs our sensitivity to pain” (Vlasto). When cumulating studies such as the above or university studies, there is a connection between the disruption with the nerves and the communication with the rest of the body. His study is published in a medical research journal and researchers will continue to further investigate. Although there a many doctors who have studied the effectiveness and purpose of acupuncture, science has observed acupuncture helps with chronic pain especially for the neck, back, and head. The National Cancer institute has found that acupuncture helps cancer patients with pain management, control of nausea and vomiting (N/V), fatigue, hot flashes, xerostomia, neuropathy, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance (Cancer.gov). These outcomes have increased the use of the treatment in Western