Alongside medicinal treatment, acupuncture is becoming increasingly important. A study carried out on behalf of health insurance companies and concluded last year, showed that the Asian method of treatment to be just as effective as Antihistamine substances. However the needle pricks are much better for the body as a whole which is why more and more doctors are offering this therapy.

Just a few treatments with acupuncture can already bring about an improvement. The doctor places thin needles at specific points in the skin on the head and in the ear. During the 20 to 30 minutes that the needles are in place, the patient already feels an initial relief from the symptoms. “There are patients who, after two to three treatments have no more symptoms,” says Helmut Rüdiger, Committee Member of the German Doctors’ Society for Acupuncture.

Source: Handelsblatt N° 32, 15.02.2005

Source: BMJ 2004; 328:744-7

Source: Ärzte Zeitung, Nr.195, 29th October 2003

The report is available here on the web.

Source: Ärzte Zeitung, Nr. 123, 08/2003

This method of therapy is a sensible alternative to medication in pregnancy care. In the eyes of Helmut Rüdinger – Vice-president of the German Medical Council for Acupuncture – prescribing drugs for a pregnant woman is a tight-rope walk between health of the mother and possible consequences for the unborn child. Due to fear for possible side-effects, many women refuse to take any medication during pregnancy. Acupuncture gives the mothers-to-be the possibility of overcoming health problems without endangering their child. For example this could be backache, continual vomiting or the pelvic position of the child.

An expert assessment by the health insurance medical department in Niedersachsen (Germany) confirms that acupuncture can help particularly with excessive morning-sickness. From the harmless morning nausea which affects almost one in two pregnant women, a real illness can develop: so-called Hyperemesis – excessive vomiting with a dangerous loss of liquid and minerals. In the end, it often means admission to hospital is necessary. Hospitalisation of these women can be avoided when the acupuncture treatment is effective.

It is of particular importance for the DAK that the quality of this new service is assured, because of the immense differences in the training of acupuncturists. That is why it only covers the costs of treatment from doctors who have sufficient qualifications in the field of acupuncture. This includes at least 140 hours training. The DAK reimburses 25 euros per session.

Source: DAK Magazine Fit, 3/2003

What are the advantages of acupuncture over conventional medicine in the treatment of pain?

Dr. Rüdinger: The direct relief from pain and inflammation has a positive effect on the psyche: Acupuncture calms and relaxes. Thereby many patients gain objectivity to their illness. This is particularly important for those with chronic pain. Obviously this saves on pain and muscle-relaxing medicines as well as psychopharmacological drugs. And another advantage: many acupuncture doctors have learnt to think past the purely scientific and see the patient as a whole

There is still insufficient research on Acupuncture. Why is that?

Dr. Rüdinger: That acupuncture works is not disputed by acupuncture doctors or the successfully treated patients. Although there are many studies, the results are not satisfactory because the studies until a short while ago were carried out without controlling the professional quality of the acupuncturist. Only recently has this quality been taken into consideration – for instance in the DAK pilot project – whereby only well-trained doctors can take part. Naturally they achieve better results. And then till now acupuncture had no lobby with money for more extensive research.

For which illnesses has acupuncture proved to be particularly beneficial?

Dr. Rüdinger: First of all there are the three diagnoses mentioned in the DAK Pilot Project, chronic pain in the head and the lumbar vertebrae as well as osteoarthritis. On top of these there is a list of other illnesses and complaints I like to treat with acupuncture.

Well documented scientifically, acupuncture for nausea and vomiting is especially important in pregnancy. There is a good chance that pregnant women can stop smoking. Many pregnant smokers want to give up cigarettes, but they know that nicotine plasters and similar medication can damage the unborn child. As acupuncture is no substitute for the decision to give up smoking, it is essential that the patient is able to refrain from smoking at least 24 hours before the acupuncture. Under these conditions I recommend that the DAK pays an extra subsidy.

Source: DAK Magazine Fit, 3/2003

In a Turkish study the effectiveness of traditional Chinese acupuncture is tested on 50 children and young people (23 boys) between the ages of 9 and 18. The effectiveness of the treatment was excellent. Within 6 months 86% of the patients were completely dry, 10% almost dry (in at least 80% of the nights). The relapse quota up to now is only 5% – with a maximal period of observation of 17 months.

Source: Der Heilpraktiker/Volksheilkunder 4/2003

Stuttgart (mm). Around 8,000 patients during the last two years – since the start of the pilot project of the TK – Technicians’ Insurance Company – have undergone acupuncture treatment for chronic pain of the lumbar vertebrae.

According to the Charitas University Clinic in Berlin, who looked after the study, the complaints and pain improved in around 90% of the patients. According to the TK, 1,500 doctors took part in the Pilot Project, to which the Bosch BKK (Company Medical Insurance), Daimler-Chrysler BKK and other insurance companies joined in July 2001. The doctors taking part had to prove 140 hours of training and have their credentials examined by the TK. For the total of ten sessions which are each required to last at least 30 minutes, the doctor can charge the patient 35 Euros. The three insurance companies reimburse the patient these costs, withholding 10% Selbstbehalt. Excepted from this rule, are all those insured who are not required to pay their own share of costs.

Apart from chronic pain in the lumbar vertebrae, patients can also have treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner for head and joint pain. Around 18,000 patients insured by the TK, Bosch BKK and the Daimler Chrysler BKK have taken advantage of this offer.

With the Pilot Project which lasts until 2008, the effectiveness of acupuncture as a method of treatment is being tested scientifically. If it is proved to be effective, then the three insurance groups hope to recognise acupuncture as a regular benefit of the state insurance companies.

Source: ÄZ Nr. 52, März 2003

Source: ÄZ Nr. 43 2003