CAM Is Gaining Strength Around the World

Abstract

A reader writes in that as an acupuncture physician, he can take a person out of pain quicker and more effectively than 95 percent of sports and injury rehab specialists.

I am an Acupuncture Physician in Florida, working in a Western medical clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. I have participated as a massage therapist and an Acupuncture Physician to athletes of the 1996 and 2002 Olympic games. I have worked in hospitals, chiropractors' offices, anesthesiologist clinics on pain management, and now with medical doctors. I would place my skills of taking a person out of pain quicker and more effective over the skills of say 95% of sports and injury rehab specialists. I treat more from branch and root causes and work to align the individual's body in a more true balance so that the problem does not return as quickly. This is mostly soft tissue and fascia type injuries that I speak of. I take offense to Dr. Atwood[1] on his statement about acupuncture and sports injuries and will be glad to demonstrate its effectiveness on any patient he so chooses.

I also believe an open mind is needed on how acupuncture works to strengthen the body to fight diseases and is more effective as a preventative therapy for this reason. If the body is weakened, due to stress, overeating, drug, alcohol, or even fighting a chronic health issue, then of course pathogens may easily enter the body and proliferate. It is my hope that we allow our egos and hold on health issues to open up to inspection and see why CAM is gaining strength around the world.

Commenting on naturopathy: I would hope that the many sciences that it claims, including acupuncture, should be examined on an individual basis and not as a whole. Acupuncture has withstood the test of time, and many countries embrace its knowledge; therefore, it should not go under any other science other than its own.