Acupuncture is probably the most accepted alternative treatment in America after chiropractic. Mortell, working in Highland Park, says there's virtually nothing it can't treat. But as with every alternative therapy it tries to reach the cause and change the person before changing the illness. It's another form of energy medicine. Of course, in one session, he can only relieve my symptoms temporarily.
Acupuncture is supposed to stimulate the interconnecting energy pathways of the body.
To reach my sinuses he'll put more needles in my wrists and in the web between thumb and forefinger, for instance, to strengthen my lungs. There is really no scientific proof that they exist. Still, the National Institutes of Health recognizes acupuncture for treating a variety of pains, even helping in stroke recovery. He taps two needles into my cheeks and I stare at them standing in front of my eye. My limbs are pins and needles and my mouth has gone tight.