Acupuncture Scientifically Proven to Help Health
Acupuncture was once relegated to the pseudo-science realm, but a recent discovery final provides proof that it actually provides health benefits.
Until recently, acupuncture was a treatment method dumped in the “pseudo-science” basket by many. Those who had experienced acupuncture first hand often held the practice in high regard, whilst medical professionals and pharmaceutical giants were somewhat hesitant to lend their support to the activity.
That view might be about to change however, with the May 2010 release of a report analyzing the molecular effects of acupuncture on in the online journal: Nature Neuroscience.
A team lead by neuroscientist Maiken Nedergaard, M.D., D.M.Sc, has, for the first time, shown a direct link between acupuncture and the levels of adenosine (a naturally occurring compound) in the body.
The Proven Benefits of Acupuncture
Following a single acupuncture session, levels of adenosine were seen to rise significantly, meaning that a patient could expect a number positive health benefits following such a treatment.
Acupuncture Health Plans
If you’re looking for a health insurance plan that covers acupuncture, you should consider alternative therapy coverage. This type of insurance coverage will provide benefits that may include homeopathy, natural remedies, nutrition planning, physical therapy, and – of course – acupuncture.
Possible effects include:
- Sleep regulation and better quality sleep.
Higher degree of protection from heart attack and stroke.
Generalized anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
These three benefits are all known results of an increase in adenosine production. Given the conclusions of Nedergaard’s study, one could safely draw a direct line between acupuncture and the above three points.
The Future of Acupuncture Study
Now that Nedergaard and her team have shown the first biological effects of acupuncture on the body, they plan to continue their research to look for other molecular effects and furthermore – broader changes on a biological level.
But even with what has been revealed thus far, surely it’s time for GP’s, medical professionals, and health insurance providers to reassess their stance on acupuncture. After all, the practice could be an invaluable option in the treatment of many conditions.
photo credit: {Guerrilla Futures | Jason Tester}
Tags: acupuncture, adenosine, alternative health plans, health insurance, health plans, homeopaty
September 1st, 2010 at 3:06 pm
I think westerners need to keep an open mind about any form of ancient/chinese medicine. They (we) seem to forget that we didn’t know what antibiotics was 200 years ago. There are more types of energy to be discovered who knows maybe in another 200 years we’ll discover something equally as exciting!