Skip to content

Research to show acupuncture works?

Page last modified on: September 9, 2008
Question from Freida: My health insurance reimburses the cost of acupuncture. Does that mean it really works?
Answers —Dan Benor, M.D.: There's excellent research to show that acupuncture is effective in dealing with the pain and nausea that's associated with chemotherapy. However, acupuncture offers far more than symptom management. When used by a traditional Chinese medicine specialist, it is a very complete and holistic form of treatment for the whole person.
Patricia Johnson, M.D.: I feel that it is extremely helpful, but I'm not sure that insurance reimbursement has anything to do with that opinion.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: There are many wonderful therapies and remedies that insurance does not cover. This is a shame, because it means that not everyone gets the benefit of what's out there. One reason some insurance companies now pay for acupuncture is because advocates for acupuncture have presented compelling research results in a forceful way. Hopefully, other effective treatments that are not yet paid for by insurance will also become available in this way.

On Wednesday, October 16, 2002, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Complementary and Holistic Treatments. Daniel Benor, M.D., Patricia Johnson, M.D., and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about what complementary and holistic treatments are, how to find reliable practitioners, and which might be the best treatments for you.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Donate - Even the smallest amount helps

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Please leave this field empty

Meet the Experts

Dan Benor, M.D. is a holistic psychiatrist, author, and teacher of holistic approaches to medical treatment.

Patricia Johnson, M.D. is a family practitioner in Robbinsville, North Carolina, with a special interest and expertise in holistic medicine.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

Back to top

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

Learn more about our commitment to your privacy

© 2009 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.