THE PRACTICE OF ACUPUNCTURE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used complementary medical procedures in the World. Although it is not free from side effects, its use is becoming increasingly popular. The aims of this study were to describe the demographic characteristics of acupuncture users in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and their knowledge, attitude and experience regarding acupuncture, as well as to determine the common complaints for which patients seek help from acupuncture
centers. A cross sectional study, which targeted patients who attended acupuncture centers in Riyadh city during the study's period. Most of the study participants were 21-40 years of age and about two third of them were males. The most common complaints that lead to acupuncture visits were joint pain (22.4%) and headache (18.6%). Dissatisfaction with medical treatment and side effects of medications were the major reasons, which led patients to seek cure from acupuncture therapy. About 65% of the patients heard of acupuncture from their families and friends. Pain sensation from needle puncture was the most noticed side effect (15.8%). Twenty-two patients
completed treatment during the study period and out of those, twenty one patients claimed that they were successfully treated. The practice of acupuncture in Saudi Arabia is not well established. Pain seems to be the most common symptom that guides patients to attend acupuncture centers. There is need for education related to the appropriate use of acupuncture in Saudi Arabia.