Worshop summary

During the proposed workshop (hands-on), an introductory synthesis will be presented (screen and projectorrequired) on the characteristics and advantages of the acupuncture technique known as Wrist and Ankle Acupuncture, together with the main characteristics for a correct needling in this technique.

After that, in two groups leaded by Dr Tomas Dawid and Dr. Guillermo Chaibún, the attendees will be able towatch first and learn in practice after, about this technique, needling each other among the attendees underour supervision.

Needles, alcohol and cotton balls required, together with two medical examination tables (more details aboutthe needles if the workshop is accepted).

Oral presentation summary
The risk of altering the correct development of pregnancy by stimulating certain acupuncture points is aconcept deeply rooted among acupuncturists.

The potential severity is of such a magnitude that many acupuncturists avoid treating patients who arepregnant, not taking into account whether the points to be used are those classified as risky.(1)

The decision is usually consequence of fear, based on the information transmitted by the acupuncture textsattributing abortive capacity to certain points along with the lack of evidence on the real scope of this assertion.

The accumulated clinical experience has challenged the assertion of the classic texts, encouraging research.(2)

It is important to approach scientific certainty on this point. The importance is based on the fact that duringpregnancy frequent pathologies might use acupuncture as the best therapeutic choice.

For example : lumbago,sciatica (3) and hyperemesis gravidarum (4) triggered by pregnancy as well as the treatment of pre-existent diseases: headache, asthma, gastritis, etc.

It is important to demonstrate that Acupuncture is harmless for pregnancy in order to bring scientific support in case of possible legal demands if a woman experiences dangerous situation of another etiology.

We will analyze the existing bibliography from the historiographical point of view as well as controlled clinicaltrials, retrospective cohort studies, animal experimentation and the results of stimulating these points asadjuvant in IVF procedures (5) in order to approach a reasoned response on the influence of the acupuncture stimulus in points traditionally considered prohibited in pregnancy.