What is Acupuncture
NIH Statement on the Effects of Acupuncture
From the National INstitute of Health Consensus Statement on Acupuncture
“Promising results have emerged, for example, showing efficacy of acupuncture in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in postoperative dental pain. There are other situations such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, in which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program. Further research is likely to uncover additional areas where acupuncture interventions will be useful.”
Safety of Acupuncture
The use of acupuncture has been endorsed by the NIH, National Health Service of the United Kingdom, and the WHO. Acupuncture is safe when administered by well-trained practitioners using sterile needles. Because acupuncture needles penetrate the skin, they are required by law in the U.S. to be sterile, disposable, and used only once, identical to the regulations for injection and surgical needles used in hospitals and clinics. There is no risk of bacterial or viral infection when sterile one-time-use needles are applied. Adverse effects are exceedingly rare and are usually associated with poorly trained and/or unlicensed acupuncturists. The majority of side effects reported are minor, mainly slight bleeding at entry site (2.9%), hematoma (2.2%), and dizziness (1%).
Western Theory on Acupuncture
Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain acupuncture’s effects, primarily those on pain. Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system to release signaling chemicals into the muscles, central and peripheral nervous systems, and brain. These chemicals may change the experience of pain or release other compounds, such as hormones, that adjust the body’s internal regulating mechanisms. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
NCCAM studies have shown that there are two main mechanisms:
Conduction of electromagnetic signals: Studies have shown evidence that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along these pathways through acupuncture enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. These signals may start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as endorphins, and of immune system cells to specific sites in the body that are injured or vulnerable to disease.
Activation of internal opioid systems: Research has found that several types of opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture treatment, thereby reducing pain.
Traditional Chinese medicines have been Shown to cure DIsease
Traditional Chinese herbal medicines have been shown in studies to treat and cure disease. Most notably, the 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Tu YouYou for her research in a Chinese herbal remedy that was shown to cure malaria.
Traditional Chinese Theory on Acupuncture
The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that bodily functions are regulated by an energy called Qi (pronounced “tch-ee”), which flows throughout the body. Traditional Chinese medicine theorizes that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, and that these points connect with twelve main and eight secondary pathways called meridians. These meridians transport Qi throughout the body.
Qi is believed to regulate spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance and is influenced by the opposing forces of Yin and Yang, the two elemental extremes that exist in all situations and media.
When Yin and Yang are balanced (this may change due to seasonality, body conditions, lifestyle changes, etc.), the body is healthy and adapts to its external surroundings and internal conditions. Disruptions to the flow of Qi are believed to be responsible for causing imbalances in these elemental forces and cause the body to fall out of sync with its most optimal state, thereby leading to disease. Acupuncture and traditional herbal medicines balance Yin and Yang, restoring the normal regulated levels of Qi necessary for recovery and well-being.