This modern medical breakthrough is over 3500 years old. Billions of people worldwide have been using acupuncture to treat health conditions. In fact more people have used Acupuncture than all other forms of medical treatment combined. How does acupuncture work? Acupuncture sends crucial messages through the body to the brain that immediately influence overall function through the neural systems of the body.
Studies have demonstrated that when Acupuncture needles are inserted in points of the hand, MRI scans showed a decrease in blood flow to certain areas of the brain. At the same time participants described a sensation of a slight dull ache, heaviness, or electrical sensations, which is a sign that the treatment is having affect.
In the same studies conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School, when patients reported pain, the MRI revealed an increase in blood flow to the same areas of the brain relating to the area of pain they were experiencing. One effect of Acupuncture is quieting down key regions of the brain. Reducing blood flow to specific areas of the brain that are associated with pain, or moods, feelings and cravings may explain acupuncture’s effectiveness when treating depression, addictions, eating disorders and pain. A reduction in blood flow can change levels of chemicals released by the brain such as dopamine and serotonin. Acupuncture has been well documented to trigger the release of endorphins, the brain’s natural pain reliever.
We are all made up of energy, trillions of the molecules of light vibrating. Every organ every tissue every cell in every molecule within our bodies that are alive, have this vital energy. You can think of this as our life force. Eastern philosophy calls this Chi, or Qi or Ki. It means vital life force. Acupuncture by tapping into specific sites mapped out throughout the body, face, scalp and within the ear can modulate or “tune” these frequencies of vibrating energy. By opening blockages, removing obstructions and restoring the flow of this vital energy acupuncture is highly effective in treating many health conditions. A partial list would include treatment of various types of pain; headache, tmj, neck, low back or extremities. Other medical conditions include: arthritis, fibromyalgia, allergies, asthma, chronic obstructed pulmonary disease, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, hormone irregularities; menstrual issues, menopause, (hot flashes-night sweats), fertility problems, weight loss, obesity, diabetes, depression, anxiety, insomnia and sleep issues. The National Institute of Health lists over 250 conditions that are known to respond to Acupuncture.
It has been demonstrated as an effective form of anesthesia during surgery.
Documentaries have been filmed viewing acupuncture being used by anesthesiologists during surgical procedures. With acupuncture as the only form of anesthesia during complicated medical procedures such as open heart surgery the patient can be completely awake and communicating without pain during the course of the procedure. This is an unbelievable benefit to the patient and the doctors as well, since the use of anesthesia contributes further risk to an already high-risk procedure.
Acupuncture is licensed in the majority of states. Typically practitioners are within their state regulations to diagnose and treat health conditions with the principles of Eastern medicine. Acupuncture is so effective that even in chronic cases of medical conditions it is frequently the only procedure that helps the patient. This is not to say that Acupuncture is the answer to all medical problems, however, because of it’s long history and track record of obtaining results, it should be the treatment of choice early on.
Generally it requires a few treatments conducted within a short period, five -eight days, to determine if a person will respond to Acupuncture care.
Once it is clear that Acupuncture is the appropriate strategy, a treatment plan can be determined to address issues and produce long term results.