Amazing Acupuncture

To the Editor,

I graduated from the Chicago Medical School [in Chicago, Illinois] in 1970. My internship and medical residency were done at the US Public Health Service Hospital in Staten Island, New York. I am board-certified in internal medicine and have always been interested in the total well-being of my patients.

As physicians, we are lifetime students and must constantly endeavor to increase our knowledge. Accordingly, in 2003, I took a short course given in the state of Nevada entitled, “Acupuncture.” (The course is no longer given.) After the course, I purchased a variety of supplies. Most important were the needles. They are sterile, disposable, and very thin.

As with any new procedure, I was worried about its effectiveness. I explained to my patients that I had taken a course in acupuncture, that it is very safe, and that they had nothing to lose. Some patients needed more reassurance, but the vast majority consented. My diligence and study were rewarded with wonderful clinical results. I began treating all kinds of medical problems, especially pain. This includes headaches, back pain, and extremity pain. I also treat anxiety, depression, drug withdrawal, obesity, neuropathy, and other various problems.

Many medical studies have been performed to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture. In November of 1997, the National Institute of Health Consensus Conference convened a panel to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating medical disorders. Twenty-five experts and over 2300 references were presented to a 12-member panel and an audience of 1200 people. They concluded that acupuncture may be effective in treating osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, addictions, fibromyalgia, nausea and vomiting, stroke, dysmenorrhea, low back pain, and asthma.[1] Between 2002 and 2004, a German study compared the effectiveness between metoprolol and acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. The acupuncture group did better, although there were some problems with the study design. Nonetheless, it was suggested that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for patients who are unable to take medications.[2]

Another study, reported in July 2005, on osteoarthritis of the knee concluded that acupuncture improved pain and joint function more than no acupuncture at all.[3] My review of the medical literature on acupuncture has generally not been overwhelmingly kind or enthusiastic. However, my experience is nothing short of phenomenal! I have consistently gotten wonderful results with acupuncture for all kinds of medical problems, including all of the above-mentioned study diagnoses.

Some insurance companies do pay for acupuncture treatment. However, many patients will pay cash for treatment when they become aware of the potential benefits. The cost of an intermediate office visit is a reasonable price to charge. I get many referrals for acupuncture only by many of my satisfied patients. Even if you do not get paid specifically for acupuncture, incorporating this modality into your regular office visit will bring great comfort and joy to you and your patients. Approximately one third of my daily patients receive some form of acupuncture.

My personal success with thousands of patients motivated me to write a book and create an instructional DVD for physicians that teaches how to easily perform acupuncture. Western physicians are still not aware of the amazing benefits of acupuncture. It is my firm belief that all physicians and their patients can benefit immensely from using acupuncture. Acupuncture can be performed, without formal training, in most states by any licensed physician.

Acupuncture has not only cured and relieved a great deal of suffering in my patients, but has brightened my days immeasurably.

Sincerely,

Stephen D. Taus, MD

(solo medical practice)

San Pedro, California

www.drtaus@cox.net