How Does Acupuncture Work?

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
• The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns throughout the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body irrigating and nourishing tissues. An obstruction in the movement of this energy is like a dam that backs up a river.

• Needling acupuncture points, or stimulating them with an electronic or laser device, can influence the meridians. The acupuncture needles, or other stimulation, unblocks the obstructions at the dams, and reestablishes the regular flow of energy through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and other functions, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

• The modern scientific explanation is that needling acupuncture points, or stimulating them with an electronic or laser device, 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 release of other chemicals and hormones, which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.

• The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

• While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, it does have broader applications. For thousands of years acupuncture has been used to treat hundreds of conditions. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medical or natural treatment forms.

WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

• Digestive disorders: abdominal pain, hyper-acidity, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea...
• Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, common cold...
• Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, migraines, muscle pain/cramping, neck pain, arthritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica...
• Urinary, menstrual, reproductive problems and much more!

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH TREATMENT?
• Treatments are individualized and the number of treatments differs with each person. Chronic problems usually require more treatments than acute conditions.

• Usually there are no side effects. During initial treatments, any change, even a transient exacerbation of symptoms, is considered a favorable response. Many patients report a sensation of well-being or relaxation following acupuncture treatment.

• Most patients only feel minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. In some, the needle will be rotated slightly until a dull ache is felt radiating from the point, which indicates the arrival of qi (energy of the body in meridians).

• Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician/acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

MORE ABOUT THE METHODS
• Acupuncture encourages the body to promote natural healing and improve function by inserting needles or using electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points. Since everyone is different, it is difficult to predict how someone will react to treatment or how long it will take before symptoms start to subside. Some people feel immediate relief while others may experience relief after a couple treatments. The acupuncture treatment or protocol used is as unique as the individual and points are selected on a case-by-case basis.

• Traditional acupuncture utilizes very small, sterile, disposable needles to stimulate acupuncture points with treatments typically lasting anywhere from 5-20 minutes. Everybody reacts differently to treatment and it is not uncommon for some needles to fall out toward the end of treatment or for slight bleeding to occur after needles are removed.

• Electronic and laser acupuncture devices use no needles and are effective tools used to stimulate acupuncture points. Treatment times are shorter, typically lasting several seconds.