Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of fine specialized needles in the body. It was first used in ancient China as early as 960AD. It is known to relieve pain and to prevent and treat various illnesses. It is generally HARMLESS and just about everyone agrees it enhances relaxation, lowers stress levels, and increases beta-endorphins – the feel good, pain-busting hormones.
The ancient Chinese believed that the health of an individual is determined by channels of energy, known as Qi which flow beneath the skin. If the flow of Qi is disturbed then we may develop illness. The aim of inserting needles is to restore this flow of energy. It is believed to be effective due to the release of pain killing substances such as endorphins and the pain-gate theory which states that stimulation in one area of the body will override the pain sensations in another.

In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended Acupuncture for some medical conditions while the National Institutes of Health (1997) recommended Acupuncture for post-operative and Chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, and post-operative dental pain. In addition, the NIH suggests acupuncture as an adjunct therapy for addiction, stroke rehab, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, Fibromyalgia, Myofacial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, asthma and many more.

Some of the conditions which Acupuncture is of help are:

a. DIGESTION PROBLEMS
In 2003, the World Health Organization published “Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials”. It stated that they recognize that Acupuncture may help in the treatment of medical conditions such as Digestive problems. This can range from minor annoyances, such as gas and bloating to life-threatening illnesses such as Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, unremitting diarrhea, and various Cancers that target digestive organs.
Digestion is one of the main reference points for gauging one’s overall health. If there are weaknesses or imbalances here, it is likely that one’s overall health is compromised. Maintaining healthy digestion is an essential component in our quest for optimal health.

b. SLEEP DISTURBANCES
In a study by Judith R. Peterson MD (a Clinical Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) which is entitled “Acupuncture And The Treatment of Insomnia”, she stated that Acupuncture is beneficial for sleep problems. It is an excellent treatment option to correct underlying body disharmonies which is the cause of sleep disturbances. Dr. Talib can determine which disharmony is present and treat it accordingly.

c. INFERTILITY
In 2008, a comprehensive study was made by University of Maryland School of Medicine together with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The result of the study was that Acupuncture is beneficial to improve fertility. The study had 1,366 women from the United States, Germany, Australia and Denmark as subjects. Acupuncture for infertility is probably the most popular and commonly recognized alternative treatment for those trying to get pregnant. It is inexpensive compared to many other fertility treatments.

Some of the positive effects of Acupuncture are:
1. It may improve sperm quality and counts in infertile men.
2. It may improve the lining of the Endometrium, including increased the blood flow to the uterus.
3. It may help regulate hormone levels, specifically Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which in turn may improve ovulation rates.
4. It may help women with PCOS and anovulatory cycles.
5. It may help those with thyroid problems. (And problems with the thyroid can lead to problems with fertility.)
6. It may increase the number of follicles produced during an IVF treatment.

d. NECK AND BACK PAIN
In 1997, a randomized controlled study about “The Acupuncture Treatment of Neck Pain” was made. It revealed that Acupuncture has good effects for those who have neck and back pains. Studies have shown that it is effective in relieving certain types of neck pain, particularly those caused by whiplash and even the degenerative neck disorders such as Ankylosing Spondylosis and Cervical Spondylosis. About 90% of those who received Acupuncture for neck pains are cured or improved. Since many of us are always busy at work and we experience stress and fatigue, we tend to suffer from neck pain unknowingly. The worst trend is that not only the adult but also the younger generation suffer from neck pain. It is therefore crucial that we address this problem when it occurs.

e. KNEE AND SHOULDER INJURIES
In a 1999 study entitled “Acupuncture treatment of Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome” (J Altern Complement Med), it was discussed how Acupuncture may help on a person’s recovery from knee and shoulder injuries. Another study was made entitled “Arthralgia Treated by Acupuncture” further explained its benefits. If your shoulder/knee pain tends to be chronic, you may need ongoing acupuncture treatment. Many people with chronic conditions find that self-treatment is a cost-effective and useful option when it comes to acupuncture care.