What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago.

The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation on the Acu-points along the meridians.

Acupuncture began to become better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.

How does acupuncture work ?

Balance Yin and Yang. Restoring the balance of the body.

(Acupuncture is based on the Chinese Medical Teachings that the body has certain meridians through which energy flows. By altering these flows, one can change the body’s reactions.)

Regulating the nervous system.

( thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. )

May alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones .

( thus, affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person’s blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.)

The Gate Control Theory of Pain

According to this 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. Acupuncture generates competing stimulus and effectively blocks the slow pain signals from reaching the brain. The result: we never “experience the pain”.

Electrical Theory of Pain

The body continually generates tiny but detectable electrical discharges. It is known that acupuncture points are concentrated in regions of low electrical resistance. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between the electromagnetic fields in the body and the channels or meridians. So, this electrical theory of acupuncture suggests that acupuncture works by influencing the body’s electromagnetic fields. Acupuncture points have certain electrical properties, and stimulating these points alters chemical neurotransmitters in the body.

Effects of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the immune system. It also has affects the circulation, blood pressure, rhythm and stroke volume of the heart, secretion of the gastric acid, and production of red and white cells. It also stimulates the release of a variety of hormones that help body to respond to injury and stress.

 

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