Acupuncture
The theory and practice of acupuncture is based on Oriental Medicine, a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years to preserve health, diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It was introduced to the United States in 1971, and has been slowly growing in popularity since then. The aim is not only to eliminate or alleviate symptoms, but to treat the underlying cause, increase function, and improve the quality of life.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture stimulates "acupoints" found at specific locations on the body. Acupuncturists stimulate these points by inserting very thin needles through the skin to produce physiological effect. The points can also be stimulated by heat or finger pressure.
Western Biomedicine Theory
Scientist and doctors have several theories to help explain the benefits of acupuncture:
Acupuncture restores homeostasis intrinsically via the effects stated above.
Eastern Theory
The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances, and energy called Qi (pronounced "chee") through a network of "channels" or "meridians." This network connects every organ with all parts of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological process.
Pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi is disrupted or blocked, This can be caused by many things, such as disease, pathogens, trauma/injuries, medication (side effects), as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, unbalanced emotions, lack of rest and too much stress.
Stimulation of the appropriate acupoints with acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body, thereby restoring health and balance to the body while relieving pain and other symptoms.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture stimulates "acupoints" found at specific locations on the body. Acupuncturists stimulate these points by inserting very thin needles through the skin to produce physiological effect. The points can also be stimulated by heat or finger pressure.
Western Biomedicine Theory
Scientist and doctors have several theories to help explain the benefits of acupuncture:
- Blood Chemistry Theory - Acupuncture has the effect of constricting or dilating blood vessels. This is caused by the body’s release of vasodilators (such as histamine) in response to acupuncture and would show how treatment can resolve edema, neuropathy, and promote injury recovery. Acupuncture can both raise and diminish blood components, thereby regulates the body towards homeostasis.
- Immune System Theory - Everyone can benefit from a healthy immune system, both in the prevention of disease and the treatment of current conditions. Acupuncture raises levels of triglycerides, specific hormones prostaglandins, white blood cells counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall antibody levels. Acupuncture stimulates the release of specific neurotransmitters that affect immune system function and reduces inflamation. Improved immune function is a positive bi-product of acupuncture treatments.
- Autonomic Nervous System Theory - Acupuncture stimulates the secretion of endorphins (specifically enkephalins). Endorphins are our body’s natural pain killers and are 1000 times stronger than morphine. This is why patients often experience immediate pain reduction while on the treatment table. For many, acupuncture is safe and healthy alternative to prescription pain medications such as opioids.
- The Neurotransmitter Theory – Acupuncture affects levels of serotonin and noradrenaline. This is why acupuncture is so successful with depression and mood disorders. It is also why patients feel so calm and relaxed after a treatment. Low serotonin levels can also cause cravings for sugar which is why acupuncture can be helpful for weight-loss.
- Gate Control Theory - Pain signals must pass through a number of high-traffic “gates” as they move from the area of injury upward through the spinal cord into the brain. These nerves can handle only a limited number of signals at one time. Acupuncture generates competing stimulus and effectively interrupts the neurotransmission of the pain signals from reaching the brain. This theory can explain how acupuncture is used as an anesthetic during surgery. In China, operations have been done with acupuncture as the only form of anesthesia. In the United States we are seeing an increase in the use of acupuncture during surgeries.
- Vascular-Interstitial Theory - Acupuncture affects the electrical system of the body. This facilitates healing by allowing the transfer of material and electrical energy between normal and injured tissues.
Acupuncture restores homeostasis intrinsically via the effects stated above.
Eastern Theory
The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances, and energy called Qi (pronounced "chee") through a network of "channels" or "meridians." This network connects every organ with all parts of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological process.
Pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi is disrupted or blocked, This can be caused by many things, such as disease, pathogens, trauma/injuries, medication (side effects), as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, unbalanced emotions, lack of rest and too much stress.
Stimulation of the appropriate acupoints with acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body, thereby restoring health and balance to the body while relieving pain and other symptoms.