Learn about AM
What is Acupuncture Medicine (AM)?
Acupuncture Medicine (AM) is an ancient and empirical system of medicine based on the concept of qi, pronounced “chee”, meaning energy/life force and its flow through the body along channels or meridians.
This traditional medicine a highly effective, affordable, low risk treatment option for a multitude of health issues and chronic conditions. It is one of the most requested complementary and alternative medicine choices in the U.S. today. To learn more, check out Acupuncture: In Depth from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
It’s All About the Numbers
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Source: American Society of Acupuncturists
NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Website
The NIH NCCIH Website has useful information and fact sheets.
WHO (World Health Organization) Study Results
A study by the WHO in 2003 cited over 43 diseases, conditions and symptoms that are treatable with acupuncture, including:
| Amenorrhea | Cystitis | Heart disease | Musculoskelatal pain |
| Anxiety | Depression | Hepatitis symptoms | Nausea |
| Asthma | Dermatitis | Herpes related pain | Neurogenic pain |
| Bell's palsy | Diabetes | Impotence | Oncological pain |
| Cancer-related pain | Dysmenorrhea | Infertility | Palliative pain |
| Cerebral vascular accident | Dysuria | Inflammatory bowel disease | Premenstrual syndrome |
| Chemical dependency | Endometriosis pain | Influenza | Psorasis |
| Chemotherapy side effects | Gastralgia | Irritable bowel syndrome | Rheumatoligic pain |
| Colds | Gastroesophageal reflux disease | Kidney disease | Shortness of breath |
| Coughs | Headache / Migrane | Multiple sclerosis | Vomiting |
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is an acupuncture technique that has been adopted by other healthcare providers who do NOT have the education, training and credentials as AM practitioners. While some providers may state that dry needling is NOT acupuncture, in fact the technique:
- meets the SAME definition of acupuncture
- uses the SAME needles and points
- is used to treat the SAME conditions
The American Medical Association (AMA) recognizes dry needling as an invasive procedure and maintains that it should only be performed by licensed acupuncturists and medical physicians with sufficient comprehensive training required for the safe practice and effectiveness of this surgical technique. For more information see the AMA policy Dry Needling is an Invasive Procedure.
Also review the Dry Needling Position Paper and Know Your Acupuncturist.