Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese medical system of energy flow. Production of needling sensations is believed to alter the energy flow and restore homeostasis. Randomized studies of this approach in patients with spasticity are said to show improvement.

The risks and cost-per-visit are low. Homeopathic medicine attempts to heal by employing remedies which produce similar effects to assist the healing process (eg, the administration of ipecac in minute doses to heal a woman with morning sickness).

Evidence for this approach is said to be positive in randomized, controlled studies in the pediatric population with cerebral palsy. The risks are unknown and costper- visit are low.

Guo Z, Zhou M, Chen X, et al. Acupuncture methods for hemiplegic spasm. J Tradit Chin Med 1997;17:284-8.