Seeking holistic healing against chronic pain resulting from migraine, arthritis and neurological problems, a lot of people are visiting the National Traditional Medicine Hospital in Thimphu. In a day the hospital’s acupuncture unit sees about 50 patients on an average.
Acupuncture is a component of the traditional medicine where thin needles are inserted on certain parts of the body. It is believed to relief pain without any side effects if handled by professionals.
Most of the people visiting the hospital are chronic migraine, arthritis and gout patients.
“I came to get the treatment in August last year and haven’t had any attack until last night. I feel better every time I get this treatment,” said a migraine patient, Sonam Pelden adding that she no longer have to take medicines if she follow the diet advice while undergoing treatment at the same time.
A Italian study from 2002 found that acupuncture treatment for migraine reduces the pain intensity better compared to modern medicine. The study also found the acupuncture treatment has less side effects.
Dungtsho Tharpala of National Traditional Medicine Hospital in Thimphu said, “there is no side effect. The only pain is when pricking the needle on certain points of the body. We have 365 different points for various organs. If the needles are not pricked on the right points it can result in patient going senseless for three to four minutes. Besides this risk there is no other side effects or problems.”
Besides migraine, it is also found to be effective against neurological, gout and arthritis problems.
“I had this illness since 2015. I came to here to the hospital in 2016. When the disease attacks, my hands get twisted and I have severe pain,” said Tshering Dema. “I feel better after getting acupuncture. It reliefs the pain and I can start moving my hands and can also write,” she added.
Another patient, Lal Bahadur Gurung said after he was treated last year he again started to have the pain all over again. “They started giving me this needle treatment and I feel better now,” he said.
In the Chinese Traditional Medicine, acupuncture is believed to improve body’s energy flow thereby relieving symptoms of diseases. The modern medical science believes it stimulates body’s natural painkillers i.e., endorphins, increases blood flow.
A study by Cochrane, a UK based NGO that organises medical research found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment against depression and anxiety.
Currently the treatment is available only in Thimphu at the National Traditional Medicine Hospital. There are six Dungtshos professionally trained in giving the treatment.
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