Looking for a Safe, Drug-Free Alternative for Pain Management? Try Acupuncture

Written by Sandra Emmi


Acupuncture has been around for more than 2,000 years in China, but it didn’t gain popularity in the United States until the 1970s. Since then more and more people are turning to acupuncture to help alleviate their pain, and though it doesn’t work for everyone, it’s worth a try for those who wish to avoid taking prescription pain medication.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine claims that acupuncture has been used successfully to treat pain associated with a host of conditions, including arthritis, back and neck pain, migraines, menstrual cramps, carpel tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia. Acupuncture has even been used to treat depression and addiction, so it can benefit your mental state as well.

And, despite the fact that it is performed with needles, acupuncture does not hurt. The needles used are extremely thin, nothing like those used to administer shots, and may cause tingling or mild pressure, but no pain. Most people actually find it relaxing.

However, acupuncture may not be an option for everyone, as it is not always covered by private insurance, and Medicare will not pay for this procedure. Most people need 12 treatments to see results, and each treatment can cost between $50 and $125.

If you are interested in trying acupuncture, be sure to choose a practitioner that is certified and licensed. Websites that list qualified acupuncturists include those of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (www.nccaom.org) and the American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (www.acufinder.com). If you prefer to have a licensed physician perform the procedure, a list of MDs who offer acupuncture is available at the website of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncturists (www.medicalacupuncture.org).



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The Antioxidant Properties of Grape Seed

Grape seed offers numerous benefits to the body. It contains flavonoids and offers more antioxidant protection that vitamin C – fifty times more! It is also wonderful for preventing and correcting damage to the capillaries and improving circulation. Grape seed is an anti-inflammatory, offers pain relief and gives the body protection against free radicals.

Grape seed can be found as an extract and can also be applied topically; it is found in many cosmetic creams and lotions to help smooth out wrinkles and improve skin texture and tone. It can be found in most pharmacies and health food stores. If you want to get grape seed in its natural form, just choose to eat the dark skinned grapes (with seeds) for natural grape seed antioxidants.

Grape Seed Extract