The ancient Chinese art of healing-acupuncture; is experiencing rapid adoption in the United States and other parts of the developed world. The healing works on the belief that energy flows through meridians found in the body. Discomfort, pain or illness occurs when the channels are blocked. Needles are used to unblock and revive the flow of chi in this alternative form of medicine. Despite the rapid adoption of Smithtown acupuncture, certain problems have been reported regarding its use and implementation.
Quite a number of patients experience minor discomfort after treatment. The immediate side effects of acupuncture include; hot flushes, vomiting, headaches, dizziness and soreness at the point of entry. The specialists acknowledge some of these side effects even though they vary from one patient to the other. The discomfort is popularly explained with the analogy of a kinked hose pipe and the resultant buildup of pressure.
One of the most severe, though rare side effects of this treatment is pneumothorax. This refers to a condition in which the lungs collapse, leaving the patient unable to breathe. This condition requires fast action to revive the patient. This is usually done through mouth to mouth treatment or re-inflating the lungs with a tube.
Another common risk is the chance of infection. Since this alternative form of medicine involves inserting needles through the skin, there is a chance of infection with bacteria. This could lead to even bigger problems than anticipated. Some unscrupulous practitioners reuse needles thus exposing patients to the risk of infection with other diseases such as hepatitis. Some studies indicate that nearly thirty percent of needles are recycled in such clinics due to the high cost of steel needles.
This method of healing faces the problem of lack of scientific evidence. The claims made by traditional healers are brushed off as lacking basis or proof. The method has in some extreme cases been likened to the use of occult power to heal diseases.
Another major hurdle to the advancement of this alternative form of healing is the lack of a reputable regulatory body. The country lacks a decent body, mandated by the department of health to regulate provision of alternative medicine. Furthermore, there is a lot of irregularity in provision of services.
Since the treatment is highly subjective, there exists a problem of diagnosis variability. This means that it is possible to be diagnosed with different ailments by different practitioners. Under such circumstances, treatment is varied depending on the opinion of the specialist. The lack of objectivity is a major hurdle to the successful implementation of this treatment.
In spite of its rising popularity, Smithtown acupuncture still faces a couple of challenges. It is therefore necessary to get advice from a specialist in the field of alternative medicine before embarking on this form of treatment. The internet is also a good source of information regarding this topic.
Quite a number of patients experience minor discomfort after treatment. The immediate side effects of acupuncture include; hot flushes, vomiting, headaches, dizziness and soreness at the point of entry. The specialists acknowledge some of these side effects even though they vary from one patient to the other. The discomfort is popularly explained with the analogy of a kinked hose pipe and the resultant buildup of pressure.
One of the most severe, though rare side effects of this treatment is pneumothorax. This refers to a condition in which the lungs collapse, leaving the patient unable to breathe. This condition requires fast action to revive the patient. This is usually done through mouth to mouth treatment or re-inflating the lungs with a tube.
Another common risk is the chance of infection. Since this alternative form of medicine involves inserting needles through the skin, there is a chance of infection with bacteria. This could lead to even bigger problems than anticipated. Some unscrupulous practitioners reuse needles thus exposing patients to the risk of infection with other diseases such as hepatitis. Some studies indicate that nearly thirty percent of needles are recycled in such clinics due to the high cost of steel needles.
This method of healing faces the problem of lack of scientific evidence. The claims made by traditional healers are brushed off as lacking basis or proof. The method has in some extreme cases been likened to the use of occult power to heal diseases.
Another major hurdle to the advancement of this alternative form of healing is the lack of a reputable regulatory body. The country lacks a decent body, mandated by the department of health to regulate provision of alternative medicine. Furthermore, there is a lot of irregularity in provision of services.
Since the treatment is highly subjective, there exists a problem of diagnosis variability. This means that it is possible to be diagnosed with different ailments by different practitioners. Under such circumstances, treatment is varied depending on the opinion of the specialist. The lack of objectivity is a major hurdle to the successful implementation of this treatment.
In spite of its rising popularity, Smithtown acupuncture still faces a couple of challenges. It is therefore necessary to get advice from a specialist in the field of alternative medicine before embarking on this form of treatment. The internet is also a good source of information regarding this topic.
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