How does acupuncture work?
A diseased state can occur in your body as the result of various causes, such as trauma, toxic substances, or dysfunction of the body’s internal mechanisms. Our emotional state can also affect the function of the body (and of course, our state of mind is affected by the physical state of our bodies). Internal physical and emotional problems can manifest externally, in skin and muscle tissue. Specific points or regions can become painful, tense, or sensitive. Traditional Chinese Medicine developed a system of therapy that uses these points both for diagnosis and treatment. Acupuncture and other traditional therapies affect the body’s internal condition by manipulating these outer layers of tissue. The mechanism of acupuncture has been explained by Oriental medicine for centuries using traditional concepts, while modern medicine is really just beginning to propose explanations for its effectiveness. A MODERN MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE Here are a few known mechanisms recognized by modern allopa
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 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, as well as 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 will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the rele
Several theories have been presented as to exactly how acupuncture works. One theory suggests that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various “gates” to these areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either connected to (or are located near) neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system. Another theory suggests that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce narcotic-like substances called endorphins, which reduce pain. Other studies have found that other pain-relieving substances called opiods may be released into the body during acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture is based on the meridian theory, in which Qi, or vital energy, is believed to travel through precise pathways or meridians to 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. There are twelve major meridians, each connected to particular organs, plus eight special or “extra” meridians. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupoints; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the flow. 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 classical Chinese theory explains acupuncture working by pathways throughout the body linking all aspects of the bodys structure and functions. This includes all the organ systems, the interstitial and connective tissues, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood and lymphatic vessels, blood and bodily fluids. The main pathways are accessible along and beneath the bodys surface through the classical locations of acupuncture points. These points become biologically active whenever there is an imbalance in the functioning of any of our biological systems. By identifying the patterns of disharmony through objective signs and subjective symptoms we are able to prepare a treatment plan to guide the person back to a healthier state. There is also more than one contemporary scientific theory on how Acupuncture works. Each of these theories has merit.
