The American College of Acupuncture Observes Research on Alcohol Dependence Research on TCM Method

The American College of Acupuncture believes that the current research on traditional Chinese medicine being used as a complementary treatment for alcohol dependence can yield effective results if developed further.

In a study published recently, researchers have found out that acupuncture can be used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms for alcohol dependence. This is achieved by having active “feel-good” hormones at high levels in the body. Acupuncture is known to be one of the unconventional methods that can induce this state without a drug-focused process. This is important since one major issue with treating alcohol dependence is with the patient lapsing into another addiction, especially with opioid-based treatment plans.

According to the American College of Acupuncture, the TCM method is so effective that it is already being recommended as an alternative tool for pain management, to avoid addiction from opioid-focused treatment. Opioid abuse is becoming a major issue in the modern medical industry.

How does acupuncture work in treating the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol dependence? According to the study, getting a tiny needle placed in the wrist, in a position called Shen Men, Heart 7, or HT7, can help regulate withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and tremors. In a “traditional” acupuncture sense, pinpointing the pressure area means that the practitioner manipulates the body’s qi, or energy flow, causing the withdrawal symptoms to stop.

However, in terms of the scientific study, it has been theorized that using acupuncture may have helped with releasing beta-endorphins, a “feel-good” hormone, and natural opioid. In chronic alcoholism, beta-endorphin levels drop, and this lack of hormone is said to cause people to fail treatment and go back to the bottle.

As with other advocates, the institution will observe as the research is going in the right direction, and further studies should be done.

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