What Does Acupuncture Cure? The Ethics of Treatment

Saturday, October 1, 2011

What Does Acupuncture Cure? The Ethics of Treatment

www.evolvewellness.com / www.EvolveWellnessFoundation.org

What does Acupuncture Cure?

It’s a straight forward question, and as much as we don't like to say it, we can’t give you a straight forward answer. Members of the Traditional Chinese Medical Council of Ireland (T.C.M.C.I.) I adhere to a VERY strict set of ethics and guidelines. One of these is to NEVER promise to cure anything. Why?

As explained in the “Theory of Acupuncture – A detailed look at the underlying concepts of Acupuncture” Acupuncture is a reactive medicine. This means each individual reacts differently to another – in the same way one might react extremely favorably to a western pharmaceutical drug, whereas someone else may react with less benefit. Each individual is different and it is unethical and unfair to promise a “cure” for any condition.

It’s a fundamental fact that while everyone can benefit from Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, some people will have a better and far more dramatic reaction than others. This may seem like a “cop out”, but it is the truth.

Here is the actual guideline in the TCMCI code of ethics (You can read the entire code of ethics here), regarding the question of “What does Acupuncture Cure?” –

a) You may advertise your services as a practitioner by referring to your ability to treat conditions, as published by The World Health Organisation that are effectively treated with Acupuncture.

b) You must never suggest that any condition can be cured, in advertising, literature, notepaper or verbally.

it is helpful for both the practitioner and patient to have a common and clear understanding of the nature of their complaint. Furthermore patients have felt it very empowering to have an explanation for their condition from a Chinese Medical perspective.

Acupuncture treatments is recommended for many ailments such as:

( ... ) Depression, Anxiety, Weight Loss, Quit Smoking, Drug Addiction, Infertility, Male Infertility, Pregnancy, Nausea, Heartburn, Constipation, Varicose Veins, Urinary Tract, Muscular Pain, Fatigue, Anemia, Insomnia, Acne, Acne with Acupuncture, Athletes, Insomnia, Anxiety

Sports Injury, Tennis Elbow, Sleep Apnea, Psoriasis , Allergies, Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Stenosis, Bipolar, Pain, High Blood Pressure ( ... )

Traditional Chinese Medicine relies heavily on imagery taken and developed from the observances of nature.Conditions are often described in beautiful, picturesque, yet accurate language that gives an insight into both the nature of a complaint and the possible treatments.

So although one can’t answer the question of ‘What does Acupuncture Cure?” acupuncturists can explain some of their thought process in diagnosing some of these more common conditions and outline some of the preferred treatment plans. Of course these are very general outlines and SHOULD NEVER be taken as medical advice. Always stay in close contact with the patients primary care physician. .