Terry Dr. Frank, I've not participated in a chat room before so if I ask questions beyond the scope of the current session -let me know. I was referring to a failed conventional approach with symptoms for more than 12 weeks. I have known of cases of various bowel disease that responded to acupuncture. These are certainly serious and need medical management along the way, either by the physician acupuncturist, or by the physician in coordination with a non-physician acupuncturist. Dr. Bryan Frank GauriW- as with any other treatment modality, some patients see complete resolution of their pain or illness while others see moderate or little effect.
Some conditions do respond and benefit from periodic treatments to maintain the benefits.
Each patient and condition must be considered separately. How do I know if med. With almost any chronic condition, I want to see the patient 6-8 times as an initial trial. Dr. Bryan Frank Side effects are rare, at least serious ones- these could include punctured lung or other organ, infection, etc. They are very rare, by a qualified medical acupuncturist.