Prostate problems are common in adult American males and can range from irritating and inconvenient to life threatening if left untreated. Acupuncture is an ancient form of medical treatment that can be effective in relieving the symptoms relating to a range of prostate problems, such as acute or chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia or neurogenic bladder.
Prostatitis and Inflammation
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatment is effective at relieving inflammatory ailments. Since most prostate symptoms develop from an enlarged or inflamed prostate gland, acupuncture can be helpful in treating these disorders.
That said, patients with cancerous prostate conditions should certainly consult with their western physician as well to discuss more aggressive options including radiation or surgery. Acupuncture can be a supplement to prostate cancer treatment.
What is Acupuncture?
An acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of needles into specific points along a system of meridians in the body designed to stimulate the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee") or vital energy. It is through the free flow of this energy along these pathways that the inflammation and swelling are relieved and reduced.
Diagnosis
In TCM, prostatitis is caused by a blockage of Qi in what is known as the kidney channel. Areas of inflammation or "damp heat" where your vital energy does not flow freely and pools, can cause swelling and a variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as frequent or urgent urination.
Left undiagnosed or untreated, a condition of an enlarged prostate has been shown to sometimes develop into prostate cancer.
Treatment
An acupuncturist will spend considerable time looking at the big picture with any diagnosis. Some conditions are caused by physical or mechanical issues, whereas some symptoms can manifest from physical or emotional stresses.
This makes communication of paramount importance with you and your acupuncturist. Some questions from your practitioner may seem unusual or even a bit psychological in background to someone expecting more of a typical physician consultation. It is important for your acupuncturist to have a full, honest picture of what is troubling you in order to design an effective treatment.
A typical acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of sterile, stainless steel needles into a selection of points to stimulate Qi flow. The needles are left in place for about 20 to 30 minutes or more while the patient lies quietly. Many patients actually fall asleep during treatment, a clear illustration of the stress-relieving aspect of acupuncture.
Duration
Some patients will see improvement in just one treatment. Other patients, particularly patients who have had a longstanding injury or have gone a significant time without treatment may take several treatments before seeing significant improvement.
History
The documented art of acupuncture dates back more than 2,500 years, making it the oldest professional medicine practiced in the world. About one quarter of the world's population is treated with acupuncture.
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