Mar 25, 2009 8:15 pm US/Eastern
HealthWatch: Acupuncture
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
With the stressful economy, more and more people are turning to acupuncture for relief.
For financial analyst Adam Zeliger, New York just isn't the same. "The market's been, you know, crazy, and it's been very, very stressful," he said.
The economy in crisis is taking a toll on his health. "Gained a little weight, I'm not sleeping as well," he said.
So he's joining the legions of stressed out, cash-strapped city dwellers turning to the ancient technique of acupuncture for relief.
"I don't have the time or money to go to a whole week long spa. You come in here, you know? It's a half-hour treatment, and it really just lowers the stress level," Zeliger said.
"It helped regulate my sleep patterns, that's huge," said patient Fiona Carter.
Acupuncture specialist Dr. Richard Firshein says for his patients seeking solace, the needles redistribute the flow of energy through the body. "People are coming in with very specific complaints related to the economy, and the difficulties that they're having. So we tailor a program, that's really designed to deal with what we hope will be a short term stressful situation."
"Acupuncture has the unique benefit of reducing the harmful hormones and increasing the beneficial ones, that directly impacts individuals who are dealing with day to day stress," Firshein said.
If left untreated, stress can cause serious health problems. "Digestive problems, blood pressure, blood sugar, even cholesterol goes up during periods of stress," Firshein said.
For Zeliger, the tiny needles equal big relief. "It's a little pinch, they're in and they're fine and then, just you know, the lights dim a little bit, you get a couple minutes just to relax and, it's wonderful."
A number of studies have found that acupuncture is safe for most people, and has few side effects.
Make sure your practitioner is a licensed acupuncturist, and works out of a treatment facility approved by the Department of Health.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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