A growing number of Americans would prefer to stop popping pills and avoid going under the knife to treat a bum knee, achy lower back or sore hip. Instead, they’re turning to the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture to help ease chronic joint pain.
More than 14 million Americans have tried acupuncture, according to the most recent statistics from the National Health Interview Survey, a large ongoing study that tracks healthcare habits in the U.S.
The study found that nearly six percent of Americans have allowed themselves to be pricked with dozens of slender needles to help alleviate chronic pain, up from just one percent of patients a decade ago.
I ? Word Understanding
popping pills ? taking pills
going under the knife ? undergo a surgery
alleviate ? to reduce or lessen
II ? Have Your Say
1. Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of inserting needles in specific points on the body to manipulate the flow of energy. Some health benefits are:
? Eases aching back
? Boosts the effectiveness of meds
? Counteracts radiation side effects (for cancer patients)
? Dulls persistent headaches
2. An estimated 100 million Americans are affected by chronic pain. More that 50,000 war veterans are treated for painkiller addiction due to high dosages of painkillers given to them for injuries.
