Interesting question, and I think it depends who you talk to, and what type of "evidence" you are looking for.
"Evidence" from a medical/clinical standpoint: After reviewing the clinical trials and medical literature, acupuncture has been proven effective to help treat (or relieve symptoms) in many conditions, most notably pain management, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, menstrual pain, fibromyalgia, etc.
Medical evidence regarding acupuncture's success regarding hormone levels:
"According to Eric Manheimer of the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Integrative Medicine and colleagues who conducted the systematic review, acupuncture has been used in China for centuries to regulate the female reproductive system." [Source: http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/020808.htm]
"Evidence" from your personal belief in the body's need for restorative balance and the channels of energy to be opened up to allow for better flow. Many treatments work simply because the patient BELIEVES they will work (same way that placebos work for some individuals).
"Evidence" from patient's personal stories and/or clinical experience (vs. clinical controlled studies) that numerous individuals have found successful treatment, in lieu of well-designed, controlled clinical research studies
It is still unknown the exact mechanisms of how acupuncture works, but is thought to either work to:
- stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals that trigger other chemicals or hormones in our body (I believe this is more the "Western" thinking)
- change the Qi (flow of energy) in your body to restore balance (I believe this is more the traditional Chinese medicine thinking)
With this information in mind, I have not seen specific medical research that clearly says, "yes, acupuncture does help with FSH levels", but there does seem to be evidence that suggests it can and may help with hormone levels in general, and/or it may help in other ways in the body...leading to a the desired effect on hormones and specifically FSH. Does that make sense?
Acupuncture is one of those CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) modalities that is very low-risk, minimal (if any) side effects, and if you believe it will work, find a qualified practitioner who can explain the expected outcome with reasonable goals of each session, then I think it can be extremely beneficial (and the medical literature definitely backs up the benefits of acupuncture; there just is not enough research on specific conditions).
Your other question regarding TCM:
Are you referring to "Traditional Chinese Medicine" when you say "TCM"? This is such a broad category, that I would be interested in hear from other women if they have found any CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) or TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) techniques that have worked for your specific condition.
Just of further interest:
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture has created a list of conditions in which Medical Acupuncture may be indicated in a hospital setting:
* Acute and chronic pain control
* Postraumatic and postoperative ileus
* Muscle spasms, tremors, tics, contractures
* Paresthesiae
* Anxiety, fright, panic
* Drug detoxification
* Neuralgias (trigemnial , Herpes Zoster, postherpetic, other)
* Seventh nerve palsy Sequelae of CVA's (aphasia, hemiplegia)
* Certain functional gastro-intestinal disorders (nausea and vomiting, esophageal spasm, hyperacidity, irritable bowel, etc.)
* Headache, vertigo (Meniere's), tinnitus
* Phantom pain
* Frozen shoulder
* Cervical and lumbar spine syndromes
* Plantar fasciitis
* Arthritis/arthrosis
* Bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome
* Sprains and contusions
* In fractures, assisting in pain-control, edema, and enhancing healing process Temporo-mandibular joint derangement, bruxism
* Dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain
* Insomnia
* Anorexia
* Atypical chest pain (negative work-up)
* Idiopathic palpitations, sinus tachychardia
* Allergic sinusitis
* Persistent hiccups
* Selected dermatoses (urticaria, pruritus, eczema, psoriasis)
* Constipation, diarrhea
* Urinary incontinence. retention (neurogenic. spastic, adverse drug effect)
* Abdominal distention/flatulence
* Severe hyperthermia
* Cough with contraindications for narcotics
* Acupuncture anesthesia for high risk patients, or patients with previous adverse responses to anesthetics
Comment Reply
Interesting question, and I think it depends who you talk to, and what type of "evidence" you are looking for.
"Evidence" from a medical/clinical standpoint: After reviewing the clinical trials and medical literature, acupuncture has been proven effective to help treat (or relieve symptoms) in many conditions, most notably pain management, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, menstrual pain, fibromyalgia, etc.
Medical evidence regarding acupuncture's success regarding hormone levels:
"According to Eric Manheimer of the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Center for Integrative Medicine and colleagues who conducted the systematic review, acupuncture has been used in China for centuries to regulate the female reproductive system." [Source: http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/020808.htm]
"Evidence" from your personal belief in the body's need for restorative balance and the channels of energy to be opened up to allow for better flow. Many treatments work simply because the patient BELIEVES they will work (same way that placebos work for some individuals).
"Evidence" from patient's personal stories and/or clinical experience (vs. clinical controlled studies) that numerous individuals have found successful treatment, in lieu of well-designed, controlled clinical research studies
It is still unknown the exact mechanisms of how acupuncture works, but is thought to either work to:
- stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals that trigger other chemicals or hormones in our body (I believe this is more the "Western" thinking)
- change the Qi (flow of energy) in your body to restore balance (I believe this is more the traditional Chinese medicine thinking)
With this information in mind, I have not seen specific medical research that clearly says, "yes, acupuncture does help with FSH levels", but there does seem to be evidence that suggests it can and may help with hormone levels in general, and/or it may help in other ways in the body...leading to a the desired effect on hormones and specifically FSH. Does that make sense?
Acupuncture is one of those CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) modalities that is very low-risk, minimal (if any) side effects, and if you believe it will work, find a qualified practitioner who can explain the expected outcome with reasonable goals of each session, then I think it can be extremely beneficial (and the medical literature definitely backs up the benefits of acupuncture; there just is not enough research on specific conditions).
Sources:
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): Acupuncture
- Medical Acupuncture
Your other question regarding TCM:
Are you referring to "Traditional Chinese Medicine" when you say "TCM"? This is such a broad category, that I would be interested in hear from other women if they have found any CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) or TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) techniques that have worked for your specific condition.
Just of further interest:
January 14, 2010 - 3:49pmThe American Academy of Medical Acupuncture has created a list of conditions in which Medical Acupuncture may be indicated in a hospital setting:
* Acute and chronic pain control
* Postraumatic and postoperative ileus
* Muscle spasms, tremors, tics, contractures
* Paresthesiae
* Anxiety, fright, panic
* Drug detoxification
* Neuralgias (trigemnial , Herpes Zoster, postherpetic, other)
* Seventh nerve palsy Sequelae of CVA's (aphasia, hemiplegia)
* Certain functional gastro-intestinal disorders (nausea and vomiting, esophageal spasm, hyperacidity, irritable bowel, etc.)
* Headache, vertigo (Meniere's), tinnitus
* Phantom pain
* Frozen shoulder
* Cervical and lumbar spine syndromes
* Plantar fasciitis
* Arthritis/arthrosis
* Bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome
* Sprains and contusions
* In fractures, assisting in pain-control, edema, and enhancing healing process Temporo-mandibular joint derangement, bruxism
* Dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain
* Insomnia
* Anorexia
* Atypical chest pain (negative work-up)
* Idiopathic palpitations, sinus tachychardia
* Allergic sinusitis
* Persistent hiccups
* Selected dermatoses (urticaria, pruritus, eczema, psoriasis)
* Constipation, diarrhea
* Urinary incontinence. retention (neurogenic. spastic, adverse drug effect)
* Abdominal distention/flatulence
* Severe hyperthermia
* Cough with contraindications for narcotics
* Acupuncture anesthesia for high risk patients, or patients with previous adverse responses to anesthetics
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