Pragmatic Use of Acupuncture in a Neurology Practice: Experience in an Outpatient Veterans Administration Neurology Clinic

Abstract

Introduction: There is a need for nonopioid alternatives for treating pain. Acupuncture is one such modality. However, institutional resistance to the use of acupuncture is common in the Veterans Administration. Objective: The goal of this article is to lay out the reasoning for integrating acupuncture within the VA as well as in general practice so as to be able to relieve patients' pain quickly. Conclusions: Among the medical specialties, neurology is particularly suited to lead the way in incorporating acupuncture into daily practice. Aggressive training of physicians of at least basic acupuncture skills should be encouraged. The use of acupuncture as part of pain-control planning should be considered with more of a sense of urgency.