Which Conditions or Diseases Can be Helped by Acupuncture?
Very few thoroughly completed clinical research trials coupled with poor follow up assessment has resulted in a convoluted and inaccurate success rate of acupuncture treatment for conditions mentioned in the following sections. It is important to note that some conditions respond to acupuncture more than others. It should be understood that acupuncture, like any treatment, does not have a 100% success rate. It is also important to note that some suggestions made to illustrate the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for particular conditions are hypotheses and not empirical data. Acupuncture success rate statistics is not available in some areas, and the data provided is based on the clinical experience of individual practitioners.
Before utilizing acupuncture as a possible treatment for a condition, it is imperative that a clear and definitive diagnosis is made. With a clear and definitive diagnosis, the acupuncturist can correctly and adequately address the complaint. A clear and objective assessment can then be made regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture for that particular condition. It may be that acupuncture may not be effective or beneficial for that particular condition, and that Western medicine may have a more effective and appropriate alternative to acupuncture. In that case, acupuncture would not be an ideal treatment option for the patient.
Much of the data quoted in the following sections are taken from the results of clinical trials carried out in China. These Chinese clinical trials involve the assessment of a significant number of patients: sometimes up to 10,000. The Chinese also treat their patients for long periods of time. A stroke patient may receive one hundred or two hundred acupuncture treatments before the treatment is declared a success or failure. The success and failure rates of these published assessments are often unclear and the research is poorly designed.
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Effectiveness of Acupuncture Treatment
These factors create difficulty in presenting the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for some conditions. The assessments made in this article are presented in the most objective and empirical manner possible and are used to illustrate the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for some common diseases. Future research work may provide empiric data about the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment option for some conditions. This data may help acupuncture be recognized as a valid and effective form of therapy.
Nationally Board Certified Acupuncturist
Chinese Medicine and Pain Management
Dr. Maria Phillips, D.A.O.M., is Doctor of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, and is a licensed Acupuncturist in New Jersey and New York. She is a seasoned Health Care Professional with over 20 years of experience and is dedicated to health, wellness and the transformation of body, mind, spirit.
Maria received her Doctorate from American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, San Francisco, CA. (Integrating Western and Eastern Medicine) focusing on Pain Management and Women’s Health).
She graduated with honors from Tri-State College of Acupuncture with a Masters of Science Oriental Medicine. She completed internships with Xuan Wu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China and Chinese Massage and Tui Na at the Beijing Massage Hospital for the Handicapped. Maria also holds a B.A. from Fordham University and completed postgraduate studies in Clinical Nutrition at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut.
Honors and Recognition
In 2007, Maria was recognized and made an honored member of "Montclair Who’s Who In Health Care" a publication that Highlights professionals who exhibit the highest standards of expertise and care throughout North America and Canada.
Other Credentials
Certified - Acupuncture to support Cancer patients, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, NYC.
Certified in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Haven Hospice Volunteer, JFK Medical Center, Edison, NJ since 1997, providing support to the terminally ill and their families.
Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
Cranial Sacral Therapy
Reiki Master
Graduate of The New Seminary of New York, Interfaith Minister and Spiritual Counselor - 1999 (Interfaith is a spiritual philosophy, which honors and values the fundamental beauty and wisdom in ALL religious traditions. The motto of The New Seminary is "Never instead of ....Always in addition to.")
Zen Studies Society Meditation Practitioner since 1980
Professional Member in good standing of Acupuncture Society of New York (ASNY) and New Jersey Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Maria is originally from Barbados. She came to the United States in 1969. Her family has a long tradition of herbal medicine and midwifery. Maria lives with her two sons in Monroe Township, New Jersey.
The content on NJPM is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please call 732-719-8148 for an immediate consultation or 911 if it is an emergency.
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