Frequently asked questions
Q: What is acupuncture used for?
A: In the West, acupuncture is most known for its pain-relieving effects, but in reality, it has a much broader treatment range. Acupuncture can relieve pain from muscle pain, tendonitis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatic pain. Strain-related disorders in muscles and joints are common complaints for which people seek an acupuncturist. Other conditions commonly treated include respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, migraines, stress, sleep problems, mild psychological issues, digestive problems, women’s health concerns, and fertility problems.
Q: Can acupuncture treatment help with cancer?
A: Acupuncturists in Norway must adhere to the Law on Alternative Treatment, which states that they may treat serious diseases and conditions only if the treatment is solely intended to relieve or reduce symptoms of or side effects from the disease or its treatment, or to strengthen the body’s immune system or self-healing ability. This means they should not treat cancer with the aim of curing it, but they may treat it to achieve symptom relief and better quality of life.
Q: Is it legal to treat children with acupuncture in Norway?
A: In Norway, there are no restrictions on using acupuncture for children. The legal health authority age is 16. This means that when the patient is under 16, the parents or guardians represent the child. Parents generally have the right to information and can make decisions about the child’s health. Children, however, have the right to participate in decision-making. According to the Acupuncture Association’s Ethical Guidelines, patients under 16 must have consent from a parent or guardian. Without such consent, treatment must not be offered. According to our Guidelines for Safe Acupuncture Practice, acupuncturists treating children under 12 should have specialized knowledge (further education).
Q: Is acupuncture safe?
A: Acupuncture is a very safe treatment when performed by well-trained practitioners who follow safe and solid standards. Compared with Western medicine, acupuncture is less risky, but possible complications can be serious. The most severe side effects are puncturing internal organs. There is also a small risk of infection or transmission of infectious diseases if hygiene and needle sterilization procedures are not followed. The greatest risk for the patient comes from practitioners who are not sufficiently trained in Western medicine or traditional Chinese medicine. An Australian study found significant differences in the number of side effects between acupuncturists with long versus short training. Therefore, education in both classical acupuncture and Western medicine should be required for acupuncturists.
Q: I have back pain. Does acupuncture work for it?
A: Strain-related disorders in the back, shoulders, and neck are the most common complaints for which people seek an acupuncturist. Other common conditions include respiratory problems, allergies, headaches, stress, sleep problems, psychological issues, women’s health concerns, and fertility problems. Acupuncture primarily serves as a supplement to conventional medicine.
Q: What does the Acupuncture Association think about piercings?
A: As far as we know, there is no research showing how piercings affect the body according to Chinese medicine. We do know that piercings only penetrate the skin and do not reach acupuncture points. A new piercing may increase stimulation of energy in the area, which could cause stagnation in the same area. Tongue piercings may alter the tongue’s geography. Some girls with navel piercings may experience increased menstrual pain, while others notice no changes.
From Madison Piercing Clinic in Sarpsborg:
"There are 141 important nerve and therapy points in the human ear. These points are used in acupuncture treatment. When we pierce, these points must not be affected. We can measure and locate these points to avoid them."
Source: www.akupunktur.no