Modern Research for the Ancient Practice of Acupuncture

Andres Vergara and Michele Collins Vergara

Acupuncture, a therapeutic technique that is thousands of years old, is part of the larger system of Chinese medicine. It involves the use of very small, sterile, stainless steel needles in specific areas on the human body called acupuncture points. These points fall along specific acupuncture meridians that usually originate or end in the digits of the hands and feet, but can also originate in the head. Usually body points and points on the arms and legs are used for a wide range of health conditions including: pain, gynecological issues, menopausal symptoms, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, depression, anxiety, emotional issues, impotence, migraines, headaches, etc… There is a growing body of research that supports the use of acupuncture for an extensive list of aliments. The World Health Organization, in its 2003 report, Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials, confirmed that acupuncture has been shown to be effective for over 100 common health conditions.

Acupuncture, though, is more than just a basic therapeutic technique. It is also a deep, ancient and sacred medical practice that dates back thousands of years into ancient China. The needle is an expression of possibility. Among the questions it poses are: how can we make more space here?, how can we relieve suffering?, how can we hasten recovery?, and how can we promote healing? There is a reason acupuncture has survived for so long. It is because it works! Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and medical qi gong, are each distinct but important parts of the larger system of Chinese medicine that we offer at 4 Branches Chinese Medicine Center. For us, it is important to honor the ancient roots and time-tested ways of acupuncture.

We should also consider acupuncture’s inroads and acceptance into the mainstream. This has been accomplished largely through a growing body of research that has shown acupuncture to be effective for a wide range of ailments, including issues such as back pain, migraines, and infertility, as well as offering a number of other health benefits. Our practice at 4 Branches Chinese Medicine Center is a meeting place for ancient wisdom and the evidence-based practice of Chinese medicine. At 4 Branches Chinese Medicine Center, we seek to combine the best of all worlds. To this end Andres Vergara Dipl. OM, L.Ac, has studied many different forms of acupuncture, including traditional Chinese medicine both in the U.S and in China, 5 element constitutional acupuncture at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, and the Dr. Tan balance meridian theory. He and Michele are both trained in Chinese herbal medicine (in the US and in China) and medical qi gong (through the International Institute of Medical Qi Gong in Vancouver). By delving deeply into the ancient healing and medical practices of Chinese medicine, it is possible to find solutions for a great many of the health problems facing our culture today.

Current Research on the Effectiveness of Acupuncture

You can click on the links below to read more about recent research showing the effectiveness of acupuncture:

Acupuncture for neck pain, back pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache and shoulder pain

Acupuncture for general arthrtitis

Acupuncture for hypertension

Acupuncture for depression and pain

Acupuncture for chronic fatigue

Acupuncture for anxiety

Acupuncture for depression

Acupuncture and herbs for infertility

Acupuncture for neck injuries

Acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis