Jul

2

Acupuncture Therapy for Asbestos-Related Diseases

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Many people who are diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses like malignant mesothelioma have begun turning to alternative and complementary treatments as a form of pain management, to improve general health, and to provide relief from disease symptoms. Acupuncture is the most widely accepted alternative therapy and many insurance companies even offer coverage for it.

The foundational theory of acupuncture is rooted in a principle that entails treating the entire body rather than just the affected organ or area. According to this set of theories, diseases are caused by an disparity of factors called Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood. In this practice, treating disease involves manipulation of the body to improve balance among these four factors. Acupuncture employs the use of fine needles into the body’s defined ‘pressure points’ to improve the flow of the four factors in the body, and improve the body’s balance and harmony.

Those coping with asbestos-related diseases, like asbestosis and mesothelioma, can use acupuncture to treat symptoms of pain, stress, and anxiety. Many patients with asbestosis who have tried acupuncture say the treatment helps relieve pain and makes breathing much easier.

During an acupuncture session, an acupuncturist asks their patient a number of questions relating to their health and symptoms. They also examine certain points of the body, such as the face, mouth, and specific acupuncture points, to decide the best course of treatment. This primary examination permits the acupuncturist to determine which pressure points must be manipulated for the patient to be relieved of their symptoms.

It has been advised that people with bleeding disorders and those taking blood thinners should avoid acupuncture. In addition, those with infusion pumps, cardiac pacemakers, or any other electrical device are advised to avoid electroacupuncture.