Originally published November 7 2005
Researchers explore acupuncture as a method of inducing labor
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Researcher Dr. Terry Harper is leading a team at the University of North Carolina in a study of acupuncture's ability to induce labor in pregnant women.
American doctors are studying an ancient practice to help needle a woman into labor.
Eastern cultures have used acupuncture for centuries.
Now, researchers at the University of North Carolina are studying the technique's ability to induce labor.
Doctors often use drugs like pitocin to trigger labor, but lead UNC researcher Dr. Terry Harper said acupuncture could be a less invasive option.
"The No. 1 thing we're looking at is can we help them go into labor sooner?"
Harper considers the half-hour outpatient treatment "easier and probably somewhat empowering for the expectant mothers.
Chinese doctors have long used acupuncture to trigger labor as a standard treatment.
But even those who practice it, like UNC's Dr. Wunian Chen, can't really explain how it works.
According to a recent NBC report, it is thought that needles placed in certain points of the body affect an energy flow called chi.
Researchers said side effects may include slight bruising at the needle points, but most patients report feeling more relaxed, although still anxious for their new arrival.
The ongoing study will provide women five treatments over the course of a few weeks, either real or in trigger points that aren't thought to affect labor.
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