How does acupuncture work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized the vital energy inherent in all living things. This energy is called Qi (pronounced chee). Over thousands of years of practice, the ancient physicians discovered a system of cyclic energy flowing in the human body along specific pathways called channels or meridians. Each channel is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. When the Qi in the pathways becomes obstructed, deficient or excessive, disease occurs. The corresponding organs and muscles do not get their necessary flow of energy and nutrients to properly perform their physiological functions.
Objective Scientific evidence shows that acupuncture has physical bases, and proves that it does not work by hypnosis or suggestion. Scientists know that acupuncture produces measurable changes in the brain, at least in part by releasing opioids, natural morphine-like substance. Traditional Chinese texts show that there are about 350 acupuncture points in the body connected by meridians- the pathways beneath the skin through which healing energy flows. People get sick when these life forces knocked out of balance and the job of the acupuncturists is to nudge Qi -the energy back into equilibrium. They do this by pushing needles through the skin at specific points, along the meridians. Recent studies show that acupuncture meridians are transmission lines to the central nervous system. Messages telling the body to begin the healing process pass along these meridians.
At the core of this ancient medicine, is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced chee) or Life Energy flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A persons health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi in the body. Qi circulates through specific pathways in the body called Meridians. Meridians transport life-giving Qi to nourish and energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle of the body. When Qi moves smoothly, you enjoy physical, mental and emotional health. When the Qi is blocked, your body does not receive the nourishment it needs to function properly. The resulting imbalance can cause physical or mental pain and illness. Acupuncture needles unblock obstruction and reestablish the regular flow of Qi through the body. Acupuncture treatments help the bodys internal organs correct imbalances in digestion, absorption, energy production and circulation.
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located near or on the surface of skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect.The basic foundation for oriental medicine is that there is a life energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi (pronounced Chee ). This energy flows through the body on channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or blocked.Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the bodys natural pain-killing hormones.
Acupuncture Healer: According to Chinese medical theory, energy or Qi (“chee”) runs through the body and along its surface in regular patterns called channels or meridians. These channels nourish and regulate the functions of the body. When the energy flows freely in these channels, health is maintained. When the energy is blocked or depleted, pain or illness results. Needling acupuncture points normalizes the flow of Qi to help correct internal imbalances in the body. A more scientific explanation of acupuncture is that the stimulation of certain trigger points on the body by acupuncture needles affects the autonomic nervous system, the vascular and endocrine physiology, and the brain chemistry, as well as the body’s production of endorphins.
