Show 1042: How Acupuncture Can Help You Overcome Health Challenges

An ancient Chinese medical modality is gradually gaining converts in the US. In acupuncture, a skilled practitioner inserts thin needles into specific points on the body. The problems that may be treated this way range from allergies and sinusitis to heartburn, PMS, menstrual problems and hot flashes. In addition, this approach is frequently helpful for painful conditions such as headaches, tender muscles or sore joints. How Acupuncture Can Help You: When acupuncture was first introduced to this country several decades ago, conventional medical practitioners were skeptical. Now there is research evaluating its safety and effectiveness. Will acupuncture help you enjoy better health? We discuss the answers to these questions: Where are the needles placed? Is there a risk of infection? Which conditions respond best? Does a treatment hurt? What is the evidence for effectiveness? This Week’s Guests: Remy Coeytaux, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Community and Family Medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine and Duke Clinical Research Institute. He is co-founder of Chapel Hill Doctors Healthcare Center. Dr. Coeytaux also serves on the board of directors of the Society for Acupuncture Research. His research on acupuncture to ease hot flashes was published in Menopause (June, 2016). Cholena Erickson, Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac., O.M.D.), practices acupuncture at Chapel Hill Doctors Healthcare Center. Listen to the Podcast: The podcast of this program will be available the Monday after the broadcast date. The show can be streamed online from this site and podcasts can be downloaded for free for four weeks after the date of broadcast. After that time has passed, digital downloads are available for $2.99. CDs may be purchased at any time after broadcast for $9.99. Buy the CD Download the mp3