Dr. Marian Klaes of Seymour recently completed two weeks of training in classical Yuan Qi acupuncture in Beijing.

“Classical acupuncture is taught in China and is a different system relative to traditional Chinese medicine, which is traditionally taught in western acupuncture programs,” Klaes said in a news release.

“This system is excellent for pain management, as there are minimal if any side effects, and there is no risk of addiction, which is a major concern when using pharmaceuticals to control pain,” said Klaes, who is a licensed acupuncturist.

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as a viable treatment from irritable bowel syndrome, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, sciatica and other musculoskeletal and internal problems, Klaes said.

Klaes said the class, attended by students from Sweden, Spain, Canada and Poland, expanded her ability to better and effectively treat a wide variety of conditions.

It also taught students the art of self-cultivation, which is used to raise personal energy levels and allows them to become a more proficient acupuncture practitioner, she said.