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:
A: Those little pinpricks can be an effective way to manage pain. Specifically, studies show that acupuncture can alleviate the debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. There are several theories as to why acupuncture works. One is that it triggers the release of endorphins, part of the body's pain-control system. Another is that it increases blood flow to the areas of needle insertion. Regardless, find a practitioner who is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.