For the past 35 years, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM) has made an impact globally through its graduates (over 1,300 in the MAcOM program and over 120 in the DAOM program) and locally through its clinics. OCOM operates teaching clinics in the Old Town Chinatown and Hollywood neighborhoods in the Portland area. They served over 3,500 patients in 2017, 62 percent from low-income households. Since 2014 OCOM has received grants from Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Programs supporting access to acupuncture for low-income Portland-area patients.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. In recent years, Western medicine has taken an interest in acupuncture and its potential benefits. Research has shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating a range of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
Energy Channels
Acupuncture works by
stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles. These points are believed to correspond to energy channels in the body, known as meridians. By stimulating these points, acupuncture is thought to balance the flow of energy in the body, which can help to promote healing and alleviate symptoms.
Chronic Pain Relief
One study conducted by the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine found that acupuncture can be effective in
treating chronic pain . The study followed 29 patients with chronic pain and found that acupuncture was able to reduce pain levels by an average of 36%. Patients also reported improvements in sleep quality, mood, and overall well-being.
Treating Anxiety and Depression
Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in treating anxiety and depression. One study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture was able to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with major depressive disorder. Patients in this study also reported improved quality of life and decreased use of antidepressant medication.
Migraine Relief
Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture can be effective in treating migraines. The study followed 249 participants with migraines and found that acupuncture was able to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Participants also reported improvements in their quality of life and reduced use of migraine medication.
Conculsion
Overall, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for a variety of health conditions. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind acupuncture, studies have shown that it can be effective in treating chronic pain, anxiety, depression, migraines, and other conditions. If you are interested in trying acupuncture, it is important to work with a qualified practitioner who can provide safe and effective treatment.
