How does acupuncture work?
A. There is no all inclusive definitive Western explanation of how acupuncture works. It is known that acupuncture releases endorphins in the brain chemically structured similar to morphine. Other research seems to indicate that acupuncture is responsible for activating responses from the body to the brain. There is no one good explanation as to how it works. The Eastern explanation is very complex. In general, acupuncture treats the body as a whole. It does not separate the mind, body, soul or psychic into separate parts. It assumes that there is a connection between each part of the body. What affects one part of the body may also affect another part of the body. In general the acupuncturist balances internal energy so that the body functions as a whole and returns to a normal condition for that body given that persons genetic structure.
Acupuncture is a method of promoting natural healing and improving function within the body. It is done by inserting needles and applying heat and/or electricity at various precise acupuncture points. Chinese explain acupuncture as Qi or energy traveling through channels in the body surfaces. These channels called meridians are like rivers that run through the body and nourish the tissue. Any obstruction of movement of this energy is like a dam which backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts the flow in other parts. An obstruction or blockage or deficiencies of energy (Qi), blood and moisture would lead to dysfunction and ultimately disease and death. Meridians can be influenced by acupuncture needling, unblocking the obstruction of the dams within the meridian circulation releasing the regular flow of Qi, blood and fluid, moisture through these meridians. Acupuncture treatments can be helpful for internal organs, connective tissue and promoting digestion absorption and e
No one really knows exactly how acupuncture works, only that it does work. Its theoretical basis, according to the Chinese, is that everyone is born with a fixed amount of energy (Qi) at birth. This energy is spent in the work of living and replenished in part by food and air. The Qi flows throughout the body in certain expected patterns along invisible pathways referred to as “meridians”. Chinese medicine is based on the discovery that certain areas (“acupoints”) on the skin are related to internal body organs and specific bodily functions. Groups of points relating to the same organ function are found along the same meridian. In the healthy person, energy flows through the meridians freely and in abundance, resulting in a state of balance and well being. However, when this state of balance is interrupted by conditions such as stress, injury, emotional trauma or infection, the free flow of energy is interrupted, resulting in an energy deficiency, an imbalance of body energy (e.g., yin
Acupuncture is a unique therapeutic method that treats disease by puncturing certain points of the human body with different types of metal needles and promoting smooth circulation of the meridian and adjusting Qi and blood. There are 361 acupuncture points distributed along the 14 meridians and all these points can be used to treat disorders of the related organs. Disorders generated from or associated with a specific meridian have characteristic manifestations. After diagnosing an illness and determining the meridians involved, the doctor selects appropriated acupuncture points to form an acupuncture prescription. Determining the correct combination of points is very important, and manipulation of the needles to achieve the desired effects requires a studied skill.
Traditional acupuncture theory is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (pronounced Chee), or Energy and Xue (pronounced suih), or Blood, through different but distinct meridians (pathways) that covers the body just like the normal nerves and blood vessels do. According to this theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow toward areas where it is deficient and flow away from areas where it is excess. By using this method, the acupuncturist can regulate and restore the energetic balance of the human body. Modern research on acupuncture pain relief suggested that acupuncture needles stimulate human body to produce endogenous small peptides such as endorphin, which leads the body to a deep relaxation and reduces the pain.
