One way to measure if acupuncture really helps people reduce or get rid of their pain is by looking at whether they’ve decreased their purchase and use of prescription or over-the-counter pain medications. Last year, a research team in Spain looked at the cost/benefit of acupuncture compared to standard medical treatment for various types of pain in 5,690 people.
The researchers found that after acupuncture treatment, the average patient saved $9.70 per week on analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. For patients who suffered from headache, the savings soared to $35.70 per week. The money saved on medication can definitely offset the price of monthly or biweekly acupuncture treatments, depending on whom you see.
Meet the Practitioner
- Kristin Ebbert, M.S., L.Ac.
- Los Angeles acupuncturist Kristin Ebbert has nine years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine, holistic health and herbal therapies. In private practice in Larchmont Village area of Los Angeles.
