What Is Acupuncture, and How Does It Work?
Because many of you have asked me to explain, I am going to start to answer this question. Oriental Medicine can be traced back very far into ancient history. Archeological finds from 5000 years ago lead scientists to believe that bone, bamboo, and stone “needles” were used to “treat” people's ailments. The earliest books on acupuncture (and what we now call Oriental Medicine) were written about 3000 years
ago. In these ancient texts, the Chinese recorded experiences and treatment with acupuncture and herbal remedies to treat kinds of illnesses, from the common cold to pain issues. Modern Oriental Medicine Physicians have the advantage of a plethora of knowledge built up over 3000 years. This is one of the reasons why I chose this field of work. Usually things that don't work disappear without leaving much of a mark in history books, but recorded history shows acupuncture has been a valid and effective tool for millions of people.
So how does Acupuncture work? “To live is to have Qi in every part of the body, to die is to be a body without Qi. For in order to be healthy, the proper balance of Qi must be obtained, neither too much, not too little.” Classic Text, Nan Ching (Fifth Century).
Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the most important concept of the Oriental Medicine philosophy. You may have heard this word in the context of “tai qi” or “Qi gong,” two physical practices that have become available locally. In all interpretations of Qi, it is described as the vital energy in all living things, from the tallest tree to the smallest cell. Albert Einstein showed us that everything is made of, and radiates, energy. Old Albert was describing Qi. Flowing through the body through “meridians” or energy channels like rivers, the invisible current called Qi energizes, nourishes, and supports cells, tissues, muscles, organs, and glands. When stress affects meridians and organs, it is a disruption or block of Qi flow. Like a dam, this blockage results in too much Qi in one area, and not enough in others. Over time the body as a whole becomes weakened, and begins to manifest various signs and symptoms. The body then becomes susceptible to pain, disease, and ill health. The main goal of acupuncture is to get the flow of Qi back into a balanced flow throughout the body to relieve symptoms and signs of health problems. It can also uncover and treat the underlying root causes of those symptoms. By bringing the flow of Qi into balance, we can help the body's inherent self-healing capability, help manage the aging process, support long-term health, and, we hope, expand life expectancy.
Western scientists and MDs have come up with theories to help explain why
acupuncture works:
Vascular-interstitial Theory: Acupuncture affects the electrical system of the body. This facilitates healing by allowing the transfer of material and electrical energy between normal and injured tissues.
Blood chemistry Theory: Acupuncture can both raise and diminish peripheral blood components, thereby regulating the body towards homeostasis (fancy word for health).
Neurotransmitter Theory: Acupuncture stimulates the release of specific neurotransmitters that affect the immune system function.
Autonomic Nervous system theory: Acupuncture stimulates the release of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and several types of opioids affecting changes in the autonomic nervous system and reducing pain.
Gate Control Theory: Acupuncture activates specific receptors that intuit the transmission of painful stimuli.
The more scientific research is done, the more we learn the reasons why acupuncture works. One thing is clear: People all over the world are helped by acupuncture, and some of them don't even care why.
