How Can Acupuncture Benefit Such a Wide Variety of Conditions?
_______________________________________________________________________________________Researchers have identified several physiological mechanisms. Acupuncture stimulates electromagnetic signals in the body to be relayed at a greater rate than normal. Some of these signals start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins, while others mobilize immune system cells to specific sites that are injured or vulnerable to disease. Placing needles at specific acupuncture points also activates opioids in the brain that relieve pain and promote sleep. Acupuncture also promotes the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that affect the body’s organ systems in beneficial ways. Some of these chemicals help restore balance to the immune system. Others affect basic metabolic functions such as blood pressure, blood flow, body temperature, and blood sugar levels.
Researchers have identified several physiological mechanisms to explain the effects of acupuncture. First, acupuncture stimulates electromagnetic signals in the body to be relayed at a greater rate than normal. Some of these signals start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins, while others mobilize immune system cells to specific sites that are injured or vulnerable to disease. Placing needles at specific acupuncture points also activates opioids in the brain that relieve pain and promote sleep. Finally, acupuncture promotes the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that affect the body’s organ systems in beneficial ways. Some of these chemicals help restore balance to the immune system. Others affect basic metabolic functions such as blood pressure, blood flow, body temperature, and blood sugar levels. What Conditions Benefit From Acupuncture? Though it is most frequently used for pain relief, acupuncture’s wide-ranging effects make it a useful therapy for condi
