From herbal concoctions to hypnotism, alternative medicine can take many forms. Ancient Chinese medicine focuses on the balance of life (yin/yang), while holistic medicine, which originated in India, aims to treat the whole body at once, or "holistically."
Europeans use alternative medicine, too (think Rome's famed hot springs), and Native American cultures have always depended upon spiritual healers for advice, treatments and cures. Although western medicine still places most of its faith in conventionally-trained doctors, interest in alternative medicine is rapidly growing. Some of the most popular alternative medicines include massage, aromatherapy, chiropractic, yoga and acupuncture.
Skeptical? Well, some of it sounds a little out there to me too; typically, I need proof. But I am a believer in the power of things unseen, so I figured I'd give alternative medicine, in the form of acupuncture, a shot.
Acupuncture means "needle prick" in Mandarin Chinese and involves inserting very thin needles into the skin at specific pressure points that correspond to different parts of the body. This therapy is thought to restore health and well-being to the person being treated.
Acupuncture addresses a person's qi (pronounced chee) or life energy. The theory is that qi becomes unbalanced during illness, and parts of the body either accumulate too much or are deficient in qi, causing pain. Acupuncture is supposed to stimulate the flow of qi, thus restoring harmony to the body.
And harmony is definitely something I'd like. For 10 years I have had knee pain that varies from almost unnoticeable to excruciating, causing me to limp with tears. My diagnosis is chronic patella-femoral pain syndrome, which began after years of dance. Surgery isn't recommended, and physical therapy has done little. I take medications, wear a brace and use heating pads, but beyond that, my options are limited - either do more of the same, or try another approach. Through research, I've found some small studies where acupuncture successfully decreased pain for people like me. And if it could relieve this ailment that bothers me almost constantly, then why not give it a try?
My search for an acupuncturist began on the Web. I decided on a care center called Pathways to Wellness on Berkeley Street in Boston that also specializes in Chinese herbals and shiatsu massage.
I was drawn to this non-profit care center because of its income-based sliding scale fees and $20 intern consultations with third-year students.
Not just anyone would be needling me, though; to become a licensed acupuncturist, a person must complete a certified medical program, an internship and pass a national exam.
When I called Pathways, the receptionist directed me to its Web site to download forms and read about the various therapies. I was advised to wear comfortable clothing, to anticipate a tingling from the needles and not to come to the appointment on an empty stomach.
On my treatment day I enjoyed the spacious, comfortable waiting room for five minutes before I met Julia, my acupuncturist. She was a friendly woman who asked about my physical symptoms, eating and sleeping habits and my mood. She described the treatment and then, fully clothed, I laid down as she palpated my stomach and looked at my tongue to help evaluate my health status.
Then out came the needles. To my surprise, I could barely feel them (I just felt a little prick as she was putting them in), especially once they were inserted. I expected a ton of needles all over, but Julia only used nine, including one in each wrist and each foot and one between my eyes. These were for the "root treatment" (i.e., for general imbalances) and not specific to my knee problems.
Then she placed two needles in each knee. She also attached thin electrical cords from my each wrist to the opposite foot. She said this helped the qi flow in one direction.
After I was set up, Julia turned on some meditative music, and I was left alone to hang out with my electric needles.
Fifteen minutes later, Julia returned to take the cords off and attach moxa for the final part of my treatment. Moxa is a fluffy dried herb rolled into balls that was placed on top of the needles in my knees. Julia lit the moxa on fire with an incense stick, explaining that the herbal properties and the heat from the plant would penetrate the needles and reach deep into my knees.
After painlessly removing each needle, Julia recommended I return weekly, do strength exercises and see an orthopedist. Nothing scary, wacky or painful.
I paid my $50 and left Pathways feeling great. My next appointment would only cost $40, and although my knee pain did return after a few days, who could expect to be cured with one visit? I truly enjoyed my experience and have a new appreciation for alternative medicine.
Naomi Reyes is a registered dietitian and a graduate student in nutrition communication at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She has a BS in food science and human nutrition from the Univeristy of Florida.
