How does acupuncture work?
Modern Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is excessive. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying, “There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow.
Acupuncture is based on three basic theories; Meridian Theory, the 5 Element Theory and YinYang Theory: Meridian Theory refers to a complex network of Meridians through which “Qi” travels in the body. “Qi” is usually translated as energy but it involves more than that, it is the very basic substance of life. Qi travels in these meridians like water travels through rivers, nourishing the cells, muscles and organs in its path. When there is a blockage in a Meridian the Qi can’t flow freely and this impedes proper nourishment to the tissues. There are 12 main meridians distributed along the body, all of which are directly related with specific organs and their functions. There are 8 extraordinary meridians. Then there are smaller ‘collateral meridians’, which interconnect the main meridians. With the use of very thin needles inserted into specific anatomical points, the Acupuncturist is able to ‘Tap’ meridians and regulate the Qi flowing through them. This promotes the natural flow of ene
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and there is no single answer that is universally accepted. According to traditional Chinese acupuncture theory, Qi (pronounced chi) is the key word that explains how and why acupuncture works. Qi, or like energy, is invisible and immeasurable. The life energy is driven by Yin and Yang forces to every part of the body through channels called meridians. When there is a free flow of this life energy in the body, there is perfect health. However, if the interplay of Yin and Yang forces is interrupted or thrown off balance, then problems will occur of ailments will find their way into the body. Acupuncture treatments have the capacity of returning the energy flow to the normal condition. They can thereby eliminate problems of ailments. In the last few decades, the Chinese have tried diligently to identify the principles by which acupuncture works. Many experiments have been conducted on rabbits, rats, dogs, and cats. Some experiments have
There are several mechanisms of action of acupuncture. Three basic concepts are commonly used today to explain acupuncture’s benefits: Acupuncture decreases pain by stimulating the nervous system to release natural pain killers. It stimulates tissue healing by increasing blood flow to the injured area, and it relaxes muscle spasm through reflex responses.
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians. The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals with either change the exper
