Patients' Own Words
by Claire M. Cassidy
This survey tells us what acupuncture users nationwide think
of their treatment. These results are taken from 4 years of testing
and research that involved 575 people at six
different clinics in five states.
- 91.5% reported "disappearance" or "improvement"
of symptoms after acupuncture treatment.
- 84% responded that they see their MDs less.
- 79% stated that they use fewer prescription drugs.
- 70% of those to whom surgery had been recommended said they
avoided it.
Regarding Symptoms
- 13.8% stated one or more complaints had disappeared.
- 77.7% reported that some symptoms of complaints had improved.
- 7.8% named symptoms or conditions that had not changed.
- 0.7% reported that a symptom or complaint had gotten worse.
In general, almost all of the participants said that acupuncture
helped them feel and function better. They also reported that
they were satisfied with the care, costs, and with their
individual practitioners. These respondents underwent acupuncture
treatment for maintaining health, depression, diabetes, colds,
sinus infections, allergies, neck and back pain, HIV, PMS, infertility,
and many other health problems
Personal Excerpts "I spent my life running to every medical
doctor I could find for generally feeling ill, weak, tired, and
scared, without ever getting significant help. Was always told
not much was wrong with me. Began improving immediately after
first few acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture has helped me through
[an] other health crisis-specifically kidney stones-and also through
several life crises involving my family. My general health and
strength has improved, anxiety problem is mainly gone, and I’ve
been able to make other changes in life-using hometherapy, herbs,
and bodywork to improve my life. I'd say that the acupuncture
is the mainstay of my health maintenance, and has supported the
other positive changes in my life. My dependence (every 3-6 months)
upon medical intervention has ceased, and the quality of my life
has significantly improved." - Woman, 41-50, Baltimore private
clinic
"I started acupuncture 8 or 9 years ago. I was looking
for a means of managing stress and dealing with my HIV diagnosis.
Acupuncture had immediate effects on my levels of stress. I simply
was not the same person at work. Co-workers could not believe
the difference in my disposition. Clients continually comment
on my relaxed nature given the stressful environment I have put
myself in (CPA, working with taxes). I believe it has helped me
stay healthy over the last 9 years despite being HIV-positive
for 14 years."- Man, 31-40, San Francisco private clinic.
"I had lost an ovary at 23 and had chronic reproductive
problems, numerous surgeries, hormone and drug therapies for the
next 10 years. I said, 'NO MORE!' to my gynecologist, who said
he had patients who were reporting good results with acupuncture.
He referred me for treatment 10 years ago. Not only did my physical
symptoms improve, but my mental health and spiritual awareness
have been very good. I use acupuncture now prophylactically and
as a first line of defense when I’m ill. I use herbs suggested
by my practitioner. I regularly encourage others to seek this
health care. I have learned so much from my practitioners (I’ve
had three-each brings unique gifts) and consider them to be lifelines
to wellness. I can work with the ebb and flow of life much more
easily now. But-I still have not conquered my nicotine addiction
despite a lot of directed treatment." -Woman, 31-40, Baltimore
private clinic