Acupuncture, once a mystic Eastern cure-all, is finally gaining the acceptance of the Western medical establishment. A pivotal step along the way occurred in November 1997 at a National Institutes of Health (NIH) conference. A panel of experts reviewed the scientific literature on acupuncture and concluded that acupuncture did relieve certain kinds of pain and nausea, and looked like a promising treatment for various other conditions. Poking Holes In Pain
The NIH panel concluded that acupuncture could relieve pain after dental surgery. Some evidence also supported its ability to quell several other kinds of pain, and the panel suggested that acupuncture may help with pain in general.
How is this possible? Studies have found that acupuncture causes measurable biological effects. One of these effects is to prod the nervous system to release painkilling chemicals called opioids.

Because acupuncture helps with several kinds of pain, it's possible it could ease diabetic nerve pain. Unfortunately, little research has been done in this area. One study at the University of Manchester in England looked at six acupuncture treatments given over 10 weeks to 44 people with painful diabetic nerve disease. Three-quarters improved during the treatment, and some were able to stop their other pain medicines completely. But this study had no control group--a serious flaw given that diabetic nerve pain tends to lessen on its own.
If you have serious or long-term pain, your first step should be to see a medical doctor and seek a diagnosis. Once you know what's wrong, there may be a treatment that can cure the pain or keep it under control. When these methods don't work by themselves or if you cannot tolerate their side effects, acupuncture may be worth considering.

Other Evidence
Research shows that acupuncture can relieve nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy, anesthesia, or chemotherapy. As yet, scientists have not found a biological reason why acupuncture helps with nausea.
Some advocates claim acupuncture can help with dozens of conditions. Science contradicts some of these claims; others still need to be investigated. There are preliminary indications that acupuncture may help some people recover from strokes or break addictions. It may also be useful as part of an asthma treatment program (but it should never be the sole treatment for asthma).

The Acupuncture Treatment
One common type of acupuncture involves inserting thin stainless steel needles under the skin and leaving them there for a few minutes to an hour. To boost the effect, the acupuncturist may twirl the needles or stimulate them with electricity.

If you are considering acupuncture, here are some things to know:
1) As with any medical treatment, some people respond to acupuncture, and some don't.
2) Acupuncture is a treatment for pain, not a cure. If it works for you, you may need to get "booster" treatments every so often.
3) Always talk to your doctor before starting acupuncture. Always tell your acupuncturist what drugs you are taking and what medical conditions you have.
4) Some insurance plans do cover acupuncture. So it's worth inquiring before you pay for treatments yourself.
5) Acupuncture costs range widely, from $30 to $125 per session.
6) Side effects are quite rare. (Even so, some people have been injured or even killed by badly placed needles that punctured internal organs.)
7) To avoid infections, make sure that the acupuncturist uses disposable needles and opens a fresh pack for you.
8) Some states license acupuncturists, and there are national certification boards.