Does acupuncture really work?
In the late 1950’s, the Chinese government was going to transition from “Traditional Chinese Medicine” (Acupuncture and Herbology) to Western medicine for basis of their health care system. The academic and clinical communities worked together to run well controlled studies of the effectiveness of acupuncture on different diseases and pain syndromes. A government panel studied the results of the tests and decided to integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western Medicine for their health care system. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has sponsored countless studies on the efficacy of Acupuncture in treating a variety of illnesses.
Coupled with modern medicine, acupuncture has the ability to be an effective treatment for a variety of health conditions. Studies have been conducted to discover the physiology behind acupuncture and its capabilities and limits in treating patients. Here are the current theories regarding the mechanisms behind acupuncture: 1) Neurotransmitter Theory – Acupuncture stimulates areas in the brain, causing the secretion of beta-endorphins and encephalon in the brain and spinal cord. The immune system and antiociceptive system is affect by the release of neurotransmitters. 2) Autonomic Nervous System Theory – Acupuncture causes the release of nor epinephrine, acetylcholine, and types of opioids, causing changes in their turn-over rate, normalizing the autonomic nervous system and reducing pain. 3) Gate Control Theory – Acupuncture inhibits the transmission of nociceptive signals in the dorsal horn, reducing pain. 4) Vascular-interstitial Theory – Acupunture enhances the electrical system bo
Yes. In the past 2000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Russia, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and practitioners. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic prescriptions. It is important that your acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments. BE PREPARED ON THE DAY OF A TREATMENT Yes.
Yes. In the past 2000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Russia, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and practitioners. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic prescriptions. It is important that your acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.
