The communicative relationship between the doctor and patient in the treatment of acupuncture - Research Paper Example

The Communicative Relationship between the Doctor and Patient in the Treatment of Acupuncture This paper gives a brief explanation of acupuncture’s procedure and the communicative relationship that exists between the doctor and patient and is necessary for the treatment. Procedure of Acupuncture The treatment of acupuncture has its origin in China and this procedure is also common in various other East Asian countries and was very commonly practiced approximately 2,000 years ago while some theories also provide evidences of its use around 5,000 years ago.

The procedure of acupuncture includes the penetration of painless needles in the body of the patient. It is used for the treatment of various problems which includes infertility, prevention of various diseases and their treatment itself, improvement of general health and it is also used for the treatment of therapeutic issues. In acupuncture, the needles are penetrated at certain points that differ from the traditional ones and in some cases electric current is induced in needles that are already inserted in the acupuncture places.

(Gabrielle, 2003) Relationship between Acupuncture Doctor and Patient The relationship between acupuncture doctor and patient is important throughout the period of diagnosis as well as the treatment therefore it is very important for the doctor to know the complete and detailed history of the patient so that he can pursue with the treatment accordingly. The doctor should maintain such a relationship that the patient feels comfortable in his presence and is also able to voice out his fears and doubts if there are any.

Since acupuncture is a complex treatment and dates back to almost 5,000 years, some patients coming in for this treatment have their doubts as far as the procedure is concerned. Owing to this fact, the doctor should be well equipped with knowledge, experience and his perspective about the disease and the treatment. In cases where such a relationship does not exist, the patients are likely to contemplate over the diagnosis and the treatment and may not be able to follow and comply by the procedure and treatment requirements.

While dealing with patients undergoing acupuncture treatment, the doctors should endeavor to develop a comfort level with the patients where they are fully informed about the pros and cons of acupuncture so that the patient can decide on his own accounts whether he should opt for the treatment or not seeking the doctor’s advice if necessary. The relationship between doctor and patient is mutual and the interaction is two sided which emphasizes that the patient should not only rely on the doctor to initiate.

The patient should be honest and clear while answering the doctor’s queries leaving no fields unmarked and ambiguous. The patient should value the time of appointment to avoid any confusions and to promise the effectiveness of the entire procedure. The medical advice should be followed regularly so that disease can be healed in the scheduled time. (Yves, 2000) Conclusion A good doctor-patient relationship should be maintained be it for acupuncture or any other treatment to ensure its effectiveness.

For such a relationship to work out, communication should be honest from both ends. References Yves, Requena. (2000) Terrains and Pathology in Acupuncture. Paradigm Publications. Gabrielle, Stux. (2003) Basics of Acupuncture. Springer.