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Medical Author:

Robert A Hauser, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are another form of alternative medical approaches that one may seek for the management of headache pain. The provider of such therapies may be a lay acupuncturist or a physician (MD, DO) who has had additional training in medical acupuncture. Again, it is important for the individual seeking such care to choose the practitioner with whom they would be most comfortable.

Acupuncture's basis derives from the theory that health is governed by a balance of one's "chi." Chi, as known within this context, is the life force. It is believed that imbalances within this force may lead to disease. Chi balancing is attempted and maintained by the placement of sterile, disposable needles within regions of the body called meridians. The meridians are a complex network of pathways that circulate the chi throughout the body. Meridian theory is a fundamental concept within TCM, and within acupuncture in particular.

Oriental body manipulations within the scope of TCM take a different approach than the Western-based manipulations of osteopathic medicine and chiropractic. These techniques may be part of a comprehensive TCM approach or may be performed completely on their own. They are based on meridian theory, with the attempt to balance the body's chi through the manipulations being offered. Oriental bodywork may include the following practices:

• Tui na
• Jin shin do
• Thai massage
• Shiatsu
• Amma therapy
• Acupressure

Many other techniques are variants or ongoing developments of earlier systems. As always, one should research the therapy being proposed and ask to know the credentials of the providers involved.

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