Acupuncture: The alternative treatment

Published April 23, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Hailey Davis
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- "Oh, I felt that (needle) more than the other (needle)," said Staff Sgt. Alesia Goosic, 18th Medical Group patient, after acupuncture needles were placed on the tops of her feet.

At the 18th MDG, acupuncture is an uncommon treatment for various chronic and psychiatric issues.

"Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese art of using needles to stimulate the movement of chi, or energy, inside the human body," said Maj. Arthur Lawrance, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron flight surgeon. "Chi is an energy that helps the body function better and works for the health of the body."

Issues such as smoking cessation, infertility and back and neck pain can be treated with acupuncture, Lawrance said.

"We also use acupuncture in treating psychiatric disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder and neurological disorders," he added. "Patients with chronic problems requiring more medical treatment whom seem to be resistant to (treatments) can get relief through acupuncture."

Although alternative medical treatments such as these aren't substitutes for traditional medical care, Lawrance believes in using additional methods to treat chronic and psychological issues.

"I feel that it's best for the human being as a whole," he said. "Everything in the body is interconnected and I like to approach patients that way, rather than thinking, 'Ok you have this problem, I'm going to give you this medicine.'" Lawrance said.

Lawrance explained his thought process when treating patients is to wonder why a patient is having a problem, and to use a combination of Western, or traditional American, and alternative medicines to treat medical issues.

"I'm more interested in the holistic approach by using Western medicine and alternative medicine combined," Lawrance added.

Although Lawrance is not a full-time acupuncturist, he said some bases have dedicated acupuncture clinics. He suggests if a patient is interested in acupuncture to speak with their primary care provider and see if it's available at their location.

Lawrance also mentioned if military personnel choose to seek an acupuncturist off base, the practitioner may offer to treat with herbs. Personnel should decline those treatments as they may cause a positive test result in a drug test.