When one thinks of acupuncture, what are some of the images that typically come to mind? Instantly, though, a picture of a black kettle pot with a bunch of concoctions and needles should come to mind. On the other hand, acupuncture therapy does not have to concoct such awful images in one's head. However, if you have ever thought about the possibility that acupuncture may be able to replace Western medicine you are sorely mistaken. On the other hand, there are some important distinctions between the two fundamental ideas of medicine, and in this article the idea of acupuncture will go head to head in an effort to compete against Western medicine.

Science Versus Intuition

The basic idea behind Western medicine is the knowledge and science behind every treatment that we can see. Acupuncture, though, is not considered one of those treatments. Consider for a moment all the monumental effects that taking one prescription medication can have on the body. Many advocates of Western medicine continue to say that the United States has the best idea of medicine throughout all the world, but is it really true? Even though the affects of prescription drugs are so great on the body and mind, do we truly know everything that the treatment does to individuals, or is there a whole laundry list of side effects that could go wrong?

On the other hand, acupuncture medicine is mostly based on and rooted in the fact that many thousands and millions of Chinese individuals have been able to quickly, easily, and efficiently beat out the diseases and disorder that were experienced. Instead of relying on solid facts and science to prove that this alternative medicine approach works, intuition and feeling is relied heavily upon in order for the whole process of acupuncture to take root and verify itself to the patient.

The Benefits of Both

Even though there are great benefits to both the acupuncture method and treatments of Western medicine, one thing that we should consider is the downfalls of both approaches since there are probably less of them to consider. For Western medicine, though, an idea right off the bat that is undesirable is the fact that many patients and individuals get used to the medicine that they're given. They're bodies get used to it and they are left desensitized to being treated. In addition, many people have to take prescription medications their whole lives in order to keep some disorders at bay, such as Depression.

On the other hand, there are very little downsides to using acupuncture therapy except for the fact that no one is certain 100% of the time that the alternative therapy will work. Even though the same holds true for Western medicine, acupuncture should be more accurate in its treatments.

When one considers everything related to Western medicine, though, as opposed to acupuncture therapy, then chances are that he or she will truly see the benefit to using acupuncture. Acupuncture is a great alternative therapy that should never be turned down!

Universities and Colleges

Another way to seek out the help of a professional acupuncture therapist is to find one teaching inside an academic setting like a college or university. Just as there are doctors that also teach within medical schools, so too are there acupuncture therapists that teach in academic settings. Of course, if the college or university your are looking at does not have any acupuncture courses then chances are that there will be no one inside the school to have these kinds of resources available. On the other hand, if there is a course labeled Alternative Therapy, then there is a very good chance that the professor in that course either is an acupuncture therapist himself, or can easily connect you with an acupuncture professional.

Massage Therapist Businesses

One type of business that may just be able to help with finding an acupuncture therapist are massage therapy organizations and businesses. The main reason this is so, though, is because many massage therapy businesses actually use acupuncture therapy along with the massages that are done. In fact, massage therapy is a great complement to acupuncture therapy, so there very well may be an acupuncture professional in the building.

All in all, these are great ways to go about finding an acupuncture therapist. If you have never had the chance to meet this kind of a therapist then chances are that you don't already know where to find one. But if you use one of these resources here then chances are great that an acupuncturist is right around the corner!

By Abdus Sami

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