NZ general practitioners embrace acupuncture

New Zealand GPs embrace acupuncture

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, it is intriguing to observe the increasing incorporation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into mainstream medical practice. A recent survey of 300 New Zealand general practitioners highlights a promising trend in the integration of acupuncture into their daily practice.

A Growing Interest in Acupuncture:

The survey unveiled that an impressive 95% of the participating doctors referred patients to one or more forms of complementary and alternative medicine, while 20% practiced these therapies themselves. Notably, acupuncture emerged as the most common CAM therapy practiced by GPs/family doctors in New Zealand.

Pursuing Education in CAM Therapies:

The study also shed light on the extent to which medical professionals pursued formal education in these areas. Thirty-two percent of respondents reported having undergone formal training, while 29% indicated they were self-educated in one or more CAM therapies.

The Future of CAM in Medical Education:

As the medical community increasingly recognises the potential of CAM therapies, such as acupuncture, it’s no surprise that a significant portion of surveyed doctors – 67% to be precise – expressed their belief that CAM should be included in conventional medical education as an overview.

Conclusion:

The integration of CAM therapies, particularly acupuncture, into New Zealand’s mainstream medical practice illustrates a growing recognition of the benefits these therapies offer. As medical professionals continue to pursue formal and informal education in these areas, we can anticipate a more holistic approach to healthcare that effectively combines conventional medicine with CAM therapies to provide the best possible care to patients.

Acupuncture helps arthritis

Acupuncture helps arthritis (German study)

German Federal Committee of Physicians and Health Insurers is considering to reimburse acupuncture by state health insurance funds. This is considered as a result of another large controlled trial on osteoarthritis and acupuncture published in the current issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.

The study showed that acupuncture significantly improved the qualify of life of patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee or hip and reduced the symptoms of osteoarthritis like pain.

This was a very large controlled trial. 3,553 patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee were observed. The study took 3 years.

Acupuncture for nause gets scientific endorsement

Acupuncture for nausea goes mainstream

In a groundbreaking move, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada has updated their guidelines for managing postoperative nausea – and acupuncture has made the cut. This seismic shift in perception heralds a new era of acceptance for acupuncture, paving the way for its inclusion in leading hospitals worldwide.

Decades of experience and countless studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing pain, but it is only now that this ancient art is receiving the recognition it deserves in combating postoperative nausea. The catalyst for this change may well be the 2004 studies on acupuncture and nausea that have been embraced so readily by these guidelines.

This tipping point marks the beginning of a journey that will see acupuncture integrated into mainstream medical practice, bringing together the ancient wisdom of Eastern medicine with the cutting-edge advancements of Western science. As acupuncture takes its rightful place in hospitals around the world, patients can look forward to a more holistic and effective approach to postoperative care.

In this new era, the fusion of ancient and modern, East and West, promises a brighter future for patient wellbeing, and it is all thanks to the persistent endeavours of those who have championed the benefits of acupuncture. Now, as this practice finds its way into the hallowed halls of the world’s leading hospitals, we can all look forward to the dawning of a new chapter in the annals of medical history.