Does acupuncture really work?

Acupuncture is one of those things that you hear about in movies or magazines, but never really sure if it works. According to one study, acupuncture may be the number one alternative way to help deal with pain.

This study, appearing in the article, "5 alternative medicine treatments that work" by Elizabeth Cohen, eight respeced medical centers like Harvard and Stanford, found that acupuncture was also helpful when it came to nausea and chemotherapy.

Another article I found on acupuncture, called "Say 'ah' to acupuncture" by Catherine Price, explains a little more in detail what it is.

"Acupuncture teaches that the body contains two opposing forces: yin and yang. Together, they contribute to your chi (pronounced "chee"), a Chinese word roughly translated as 'vital energy.' If this energy flow is interrupted or blocked, it can cause pain and disease," writes Price. "Acupuncturists try to restore balance in the body by stimulating specific points, often by inserting thin metal needles into the skin. Sometimes electrical currents are even added to the needles to increase their effectiveness."

This article goes on to explain Price's experience with acupuncture--she had a sore back--and after the needles were inserted and taken out, she said the pain wasn't completely gone, but she felt much better and more relaxed.

For some other symptoms such as PMS or depression you might want to try the last four alternative medicine treatments and see what they can do for you.