Part two of a three-part series

The thought of healing by placing needles in the body may seem strange to some. However, in recent years, the practice of acupuncture has become increasingly popular.

For example, the notion that the pressure point between your second and third toe can relieve a sore throat or stomachache may seem a bit off-base. Dr. William Terrell, a registered acupuncturist and Master of Science and Oriental medicine, said it works.

Acupuncture began in China in 2696 B.C., according to www.rhemamed.com. The art of acupuncture did not take off in the United States until 1973 when the New York Society of acupuncture for physicians and dentists was formed. In 1983, The American Osteopathic Association endorsed the use of acupuncture as part of the practice of medicine.

Most recently, in 1996, the Food and Drug Administration classified acupuncture needles as Class II medical devices, which places acupuncture needles on the same level as scalpels and syringes.

The basis of acupuncture is the balance of energy within the body, which is called Qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi consists of the essential activities of life including spiritual, emotional, mental and physical workings. When the Qi is out of balance, illness occurs. Acupuncture involves rebalancing the Qi and healing the body.

Terrell said the basic description of acupuncture is “placing needles at particular points in the body to help rebalance the Qi.”

The Qi travels through the body along meridians, which are the same on both sides of the body. There are 14 main meridians running vertically along the body. Acupuncture points are places where the meridians come to the surface and are easily accessible, according to www.acupuncture.com.

Terrell, of the Iowa Acupuncture Clinic in Des Moines, has been practicing acupuncture since January 1997. The clinic offers acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine and herbal healing.

Terrell said he was majoring in pre-medicine at the University of Texas when he began to have serious doubts about the Western medical system. He turned to Eastern medicine and received his training at Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, N. M. He and his wife, Elizabeth, operate the Des Moines clinic.

“Acupuncture has treated everything human beings have encountered, including such diseases as AIDS and lupus,” Terrell said. It also treats pain, digestive problems, ulcers, mental and emotional problems.

Dr. Alex VanWyk of the Alliance Center in Des Moines said a tremendous amount of research has been devoted to acupuncture.

The World Health Organization lists various ailments which can be effectively treated with acupuncture, such as headaches, insomnia, earaches and allergies, and it has even helped in quitting smoking and weight loss.

VanWyk said the procedure is relatively painless.

“[There is] rarely, if any, pain in acupuncture,” he said. “The needles are very slender, comparable to the slenderness of a hair, and there is usually very little discomfort,” he said.

The number of treatments needed to help a condition depends on the individual and on how long the condition has existed, VanWyk said.

Terrell said most of the time acupuncture is an instantaneous relief for pain.

“Needles will be inserted, and the patient will say their headache has already gone away,” he said.

The cost of acupuncture depends on different factors. Treatments usually range between $40-80 in the Midwest, VanWyk said.

He also said most insurance companies do not cover acupuncture treatments in their plans.

Terrell said insurance coverage varies among states, but that very few Iowa companies cover acupuncture. He said Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Principal are among the insurance providers that do not cover acupuncture.

Dan Savage, public affairs coordinator for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Iowa, said a low demand for acupuncture has kept it off most insurance plans.

“Acupuncture is not a standard benefit. It can be added by employer groups if they want it in their package.

“[Acupuncture] has not been in this country for years, and there are many pros and cons regarding acupuncture,” he said.

Both Terrell and VanWyk said acupuncture grows steadily by word-of-mouth. Patients often tell their families and friends, which draws new clients. Although acupuncture is still a growing field, Terrell said maintaining small number of clients allows him to devote more time to patients.