University of People
PSYC 1111 - AY2021-T2
Written Assignment Unit 4
Introduction
“Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a phrase used for medical practices
and products that are not recognised as standard care of medical. For example, people who
suffer from cancer may be treated with CAM” (NIH, 2020). The conventional treatment or a
CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) treatment that I would like to lean more
about is acupuncture. Acupuncture is commonly known as the old-age healing practice of
traditional Chinese medicine whereby thin needles will be placed at specific points in body of
person who wishes to seek this healing treatment. In essence, not only is it used by a person
to reduce or relive pain but also to treat other conditions.
Treatment of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to release the flow of the body’s vital energy or “chi” which is
known as circulating life energy in Chinese philosophy, by restoring points along 14 energy
pathways. According to Ratini (2020), who had master of science, it is said by sceptics that
acupuncture functions only if people believe it will as to the effect called the placebo effect.
Besides, acupuncture needles are very thin as most of the people would not feel the pain or it
causes very little when they are inserted into one’s body. However, as it was stated by ratini
(2020), people often review the practice as felt energized or relaxed after the treatment
though the needles possibly cause temporary soreness.
Reasons why people are choosing it
The main reason why people choose acupuncture is because of its relatively low cost
and its non-invasive nature as it is a highly popular form of alternative health care in the
United States. Acupuncture is a safe, effective and drug-free therapy that can help address a
wide variety of common ailments and problems. As an alternative therapy, acupuncture takes
into account the marvellous complexity of each person and treats the body, mind and spirit as
a total, unified, holistic being. Acupuncture works preventatively and curatively, supporting
our body’s own healing abilities. Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are
complementary therapeutic modalities that are often used together in treatment. According to
early wellness group, a survey of people who receive acupuncture, conducted by Claire
Cassidy, Ph.D., indicated that acupuncture contributed to less frequent visits to physicians
and the use of fewer medications.
Why some people are not choosing it
On the other hand, according to Mayo clinic (2014), why some people are not choosing
the acupuncture is because of the fear of needles. While some people have a genuine phobia
of needles, there are others who are hesitant because the first thought that accompanies the
idea of needles is “ouch!” Rest assured: It does not hurt. Not only that but also, they think
acupuncture costs are comparable to, if not less than, a routine office visit. Depending on the
provider, acupuncture sessions can last anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes and cost between
$40 to $80. Compare that to a routine doctor’s visit, which could last 20 to 30 minutes, but
cost a patient without insurance anywhere from $90 to $200.
Benefits and Side Effects of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been proven to lower stress hormones and moderate mood
to reduce anxiety and improve overall feelings of happiness. Acupuncture
provides drug-free pain relief while also reduces swelling and inflammation.
Recent studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce days with migraines and
may have lasting effects. With the most common side effects being a sense of
euphoria and relaxation, acupuncture is a choice treatment for those seeking a less
invasive, drug-free option. Ironically, the most common side effects of acupuncture
include bleeding, soreness, or bruising at the site of needle insertion. Other risks of
acupuncture include dizziness, fainting, local internal bleeding, convulsions, hepatitis B,
dermatitis, nerve damage, increased pain, and very rarely injury to an internal organ.
Barriers and Criticisms
“The most common barriers toward participation included presence of placebo group
(45.9%), travel difficulty (45.6%), and home responsibilities (45%) followed by demanding
job (35.6%), lack of interest in acupuncture (27.2%), and concern with experimentation
(25.2%)” (Mao, et. 2014). One recurring theme of critics is that the concept of acupuncture
points has no scientific validity. Meanwhile, the subject of whether-or-not acupuncture points
“exist” has been given too little attention within the acupuncture research community. Many
scientists and physicians are opposed to this treatment. They said that acupuncture did not go
through thorough scientific research to find its true effect on one’s body. Many scientists like
Dr. Paul Offit who strongly opposed to this treatment said that when acupuncture is tested on
thousands of patients, the average benefit is too small for a person to notice.
Conclusion
In my opinion, many people still believe that acupuncture is a good treatment for those
suffer from serious illness. Yet, why are there people scare to benefit from this acupuncture
treatment? Many scientists urge the effects of acupuncture to be evaluated thoroughly before
it is used by doctors to treat patients. In trials, some patients benefit and others don't. Thus, it
needs to be proven using reliable and valid scientific evidence. I think the treatment is good
but the people should be given the trust that acupuncture won’t give any side effects. And,
this can be proven only if there’s scientific evidence. Overall, I feel if one’s body accepts the
effect of acupuncture and restrain from getting any side effects, it doesn’t mean other will do
the same.
Reference:
1. National Cancer Institute, (2020). Complementary and Alternative Medicine[online].
National Cancer Institute. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-
cancer/treatment/cam#:~:text=Complementary%20and%20alternative%20medicine
%20includes,chi%2C%20and%20drinking%20green%20tea.&text=Complementary
%20and%20alternative%20medicine%20(CAM)%20is%20the%20term%20for
%20medical,part%20of%20standard%20medical%20care.
2. Early Wellness Group, (2020). Why Should You Consider Acupuncture for Your
Health[online]. Early Wellness Group. Available from:
https://www.earleywellnessgroup.com/whychoose/.
3. Ratini, M. (2020). A visual guide to acupuncture[online]. WebMD. Available from:
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ss/slideshow-acupuncture-overview.
4. Mayo Clinic, (2014). Reasons People Don’t Get Acupuncture[online]. Mayo Clinic.
Available from: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-
of-health/reasons-people-dont-get-acupuncture#:~:text=The%20No.,assured%3A
%20It%20does%20not%20hurt..
