The urine-based pregnancy tests done in a provider's office is similar to the one that's done at home and is based on the same principle, hCG levels, Helgeson said. She explained that a blood test for pregnancy, known as the beta hCG test, trumps a urine test because it is a more sensitive indicator of hCG.
Our members are trained well enough in Western medicine to be aware of the special issues which arise from treating diabetic patients. As to the effectiveness of treatment, acupuncture treatment, as you may know, is now recommended by NICE for low back pain itself. The evidence for the treatment of sciatica with acupuncture is not quite so good. We were recently asked this question, and we replied:
Injured nerves take a long time to regenerate, but aromatherapy treatments can help with the process. They initially relieve pain, and people who use them appear to heal more quickly than others. Essential oils of lavender, chamomile, and marjoram are excellent at easing the pain of a pinched nerve or sciatica. A less well-known essential oil called helichrysum is specific for this condition. Apply the oil directly on the back or hip to reduce pain. It is also wonderful on painful shingles. People with serious nerve-related problems, such as multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome, get noticeable pain relief from the Nerve Pain Oil (see recipe below). For carpal tunnel syndrome, rub this oil into the wrists.