Acupuncture is an ancient Asian medicinal art based on 'meridian theory' devised 5,000 years ago that involves the use of thin, cylindrical needles that are inserted into specific portions of the body called acupuncture points. To this date, the meridian theory continues to be an important guide for Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) practitioners to diagnose and treat patients. Acupuncture needles, either manipulated manually or stimulated electrically using a low current and frequency, have been shown to be a neurophysiological basis for activating certain pathways in the peripheral and central neural systems.
How does it work?
From the perspective of TCM, the numerous functional— and, in the course of time, occasionally also substantial—disorders are disturbances in the area of circulation and the production of qi and blood. By maintaining the flow of qi and blood in the meridians, disorders can be managed and treated. Each of the acupuncture points act as a gate—sending energetic information electromagnetically via the fascia deep into the body.
PROMOTES HEALING
Offering a small electrical prompt to the body to restore homeostasis & balance.
RELEASES BLOCKAGE
Releasing areas of blocked Qi which stimulates organ function & promotes health.
IMPROVES CIRCULATION
Promoting circulation in the body improves function where needed.
DECREASES PAIN
Acting as a natural analgesic, acupuncture interrupts pain signaling.
BALANCES BODY CHEMISTRY
Influencing the body’s biochemical responses via the nervous system.
REDUCES INFLAMMATION
Reducing proinflammatory markers, or proteins, in the body
The essence of acupuncture mechanism in clinical application is microinjury, increased local blood flow, facilitated healing, and analgesia. Acupuncture needle stimulates the nerves in the local tissues. This causes the release of neuropeptides resulting in vasodilation and increased circulation locally. [1][2]
Acupuncture and its clinical applications, evidence-based, not limited to:
Postoperative, chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting, and postoperative dental pain [3].
Acute or chronic lower back pain [4]
Migraine [5]
Osteoarthritis [6]
Infertility and reproductive disorders[7]
In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed a number of conditions in which they say acupuncture has been proven effective. [8]
High and low blood pressure
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Gastric conditions, including peptic ulcer
Painful periods
Dysentery
Allergic rhinitis
Facial pain
Morning sickness
Tennis elbow
Sciatica
Reducing the risk of stroke
Inducing labor
Acupuncture, is it safe?
Acupuncture is a generally safe. However, the biggest risk factor lies on the person performing the procedure. The acupuncture practitioner must be well-trained and licensed to work on a patient.
Unlike other pain reduction and pain management treatments, acupuncture is fairly non-invasive and non-habit forming. It requires no prescription medications which may cause dependence if used continuously in high doses. Not only does it alleviate pain, it also increases the body's energy level by stimulating the meridian points. It brings the body into homeostasis and allows one to feel better with very little to no pain at all.
[1] A. White, M. Cummings, J. Filshie An Introduction To Western Medical Acupuncture Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, Edinburgh (2008)
[2] C. Carlsson Acupuncture mechanisms for clinically relevant long-term effects—reconsideration and a hypothesis Acupunct Med, 20 (2002), pp. 82-99
[3] NIH consensus developmental panel on acupuncture JAMA, 280 (1998), pp. 1518-1524
[4] E Manheimer, A White, B Berman, K Forys, E Ernst Meta-analysis: acupuncture for low back pain Ann Intern Med, 142 (2005), pp. 651-663
[5] J Alecrim-Andrade, JA Maciel-Júnior, X Carnè, GM Severino Vasconcelos, HR Correa-Filho Acupuncture in migraine prevention: a randomized sham controlled study with 6-months posttreatment follow-up Clin J Pain, 24 (2008), pp. 98-105
[6] E Manheimer, K Linde, L Lao, LM Bouter, BM Berman Meta-analysis: acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee Ann Intern Med, 146 (2007), pp. 868-877
[7] Paulus WE, Zhang M, Strehler E, El-Danasouri I, Sterzik K. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertil Steril. 2002 Apr;77(4):721-4.