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[Hank Chinaski]

Originally Posted by evenodds

Given that "western medicine" is using acupuncture and other techniques as part of an overall pain treatment plan, yes, you are talking out of your ass.

From the Mayo Clinic:

Basic research suggests that acupuncture works by regulating the body's nervous system, and by promoting the release of pain-killing chemicals (endorphins) and immune cells. Another possibility is that acupuncture alters brain chemistry, affecting brain chemicals and hormones associated with the immune process and regulation of blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature. . . . . Evidence suggests that acupuncture may help cancer patients by relieving nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy treatment. Studies are looking at the role of acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation and asthma treatment.

As they say, it's difficult to do a double blind study on it, but that is true with treating pain in general. I assume you've not suffered from chronic pain because had you, like Sidd or Gwinky, you might not agree, but you might be more open-minded.

Even if it were just a placebo affect, if it enables someone with debilitating pain to function, that would be a significant benefit. The research indicates that it's more involved with brain chemistry, but hey, why let big pharma and cultural imperialism get in the way of helping people.

As a culture, we have embraced the impact of food, lifestyle, exercise habits, etc. on health. Gerontology has long been incorporating yoga and tai chi to help the aging. There is so much more involved in the mind-body connection than we know. The fact that we don't know exactly why crossword puzzles help the aging does not mean we shouldn't send grandma (or mom) a NYT puzzle book.

i've been in lots of bars talking to lots of serious scotch drinkers, and none of them ever talked about needing accupuncture. think about it.

ps I saw the nobel prize posts coming up and I'm considering the obvious.