How does Acupucture work?

Scientific Explanations

According to the National Institute of Health, because acupuncture has been used with dramatic success in place of anesthesia and to treat conditions associated with pain, it is thought to stimulate the release of pain-relieving compounds such as endorphins and opioids. Acupuncture analgesia appears to be mediated by release of enkephalin and beta-endorphins, these have been shown to alleviate pain, and have been described as the body’s own “opiates”. When patients are given a drug to block the release of opioids, the pain-relieving benefits of acupuncture are lost.

Compelling information on how acupuncture might work had also emerged from research by Dr. Zang-Hee Cho, a medical physicist and professor at the University of California. In one experiment, he discovered that after acupuncture needles were placed in specific points on test subjects, magnetic resonance imaging scans showed corresponding changes in their brain activity. He also found that by inserting Acupuncture needles into a point on the body associated with vision – the portion of the brain which controls vision was activated.

The existence of the meridian system was further established by French researcher Pierre de Vernejoul, who injected radioactive isotopes into the acupoints of humans and tracked their movement with a special gamma-imaging camera. The isotopes traveled thirty centimeters along acupuncture meridians with four to six minutes. Vernejoul then challenged his work by injecting isotopes into blood vessels at random areas of the body rather than into acupoints. The isotopes did not travel in the same manner at all, further indicating that the meridians do indeed comprise a system of separate pathways within the body.

Meridians and Qi

The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways called ‘meridians’. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems. Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, thus corroborating the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancients.

Treatment and Diagnoses

Traditional Oriental medicine uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpation of points and meridians, medical history and other signs and symptoms to create a composite Oriental medical diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated usually incorporating both acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Acupuncture bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection, since the main source of pain from injections is the larger diameter, hollow needle and the medication being forced into the tissue by pressure. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, insertion is performed without discomfort. Some people experience a feeling of heaviness or electricity in the area of insertion. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing.

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What are some conditions commonly treated with Chinese Medicine?

According to the world health organization, and the National Institute of Health, acupuncture can effectively treat many acute and chronic health conditions as well as provide preventative care. The following disorders may benefit from treatment:

Musculoskeletal: Arthritis, neck and back pain, Fibromyalgia, bursitis, sciatica, sports injuries, TMJ, tendonitis

Ear Nose and Throat: Allergies, asthma, bronchitis, common colds, flu, emphysema, eye diseases, tinnitus, vertigo, sore throat, sinusitis

Cardiovascular: Angina, atherosclerosis, anemia, hypertension, palpitations, coronary heart disease

Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, food allergies, peptic ulcers, constipation, colitis, Crone’s disease, diarrhea, gastritis, IBS, nausea, vomiting

Urogenital and Reproductive: Endometriosis, infertility, menstrual problems, menopause, morning sickness, PMS, prostate problems, sexual dysfunction, UTI, vaginitis

Dermatological: Acne, dermatitis, eczema, herpes, hives, warts

Emotional and Neurologic: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, Bell’s palsy, headaches, migraines, MS, neuralgia, paralysis, tremors

Other Disorders: Diabetes, fatigue, hypoglycemia, hepatitis, HIV and related conditions, relief from the side effects of other therapies (i.e. chemo, radiation, surgical)