How does acupuncture
work?
It may seem odd
that a person can feel better by having a few tiny needles inserted
in them. It can seem random and mysterious and downright strange.
Research to understand how acupuncture works is not complete. Some
results show that when inserted, acupuncture needles directly affect
the body through the nervous system. Other research indicates that
acupuncture treatments modulate the release
of endorphins, neurotransmitters,
and hormones associated with the sensation of pain or with organ
function.
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You may or may not be familiar
with the concept of qi (pronounced “chee”).
In traditional Chinese medicine, qi is the universal life
force that is fundamental
to all living beings. In the human body, it flows along a well understood
network of pathways called meridians, and circulates vital
energy throughout the system. If you think of meridians as highways,
it’s
easy to see how they are susceptible to blockages and congestion.
Along meridians there are specific locations known as acupuncture
points. The stimulation of acupuncture points using pressure, heat,
or special needles has a predictable effect upon the vital
energy passing through them. Stimulation
of these points opens up the flow of energy by breaking up congestion
and
releasing our subtle but powerful ability to heal.
Patients often can feel the flow of qi during a treatment,
as a tingling in the body such as up and down the back. As you become
more familiar with the physical sensation of qi moving in
your body during an acupuncture
treatment, you may begin to notice this movement—or
lack of movement—at other times as well.
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Some skeptics say that acupuncture
works because of the placebo effect-- that when a person goes
to an acupuncturist
for a treatment and believes they will get better, that they will
get better, regardless of the effect of the treatment. But well
designed research studies have tested this placebo effect, and
most studies indicate that there is in fact something about needling
acupuncture points that really does cause
measurable physiological changes in the body. I find that the
success of a treatment does not really depend on whether or not
you have an understanding, belief,
or knowledge of qi. The highly successful use of acupuncture
in veterinary medicine suggests that one does not have to believe
in acupuncture for it to be effective.
It is my hope that even more high quality research
will be done on the effects of acupuncture so that we can all better
understand how it works and therefore what it’s greatest
strengths—and limitations—may be from a scientific
standpoint.
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What is an acupuncture treatment like?
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If you have never had
acupuncture before, you may be apprehensive about the use of needles.
Yet most people find acupuncture
treatments to be very relaxing and pleasant.
This is because acupuncture “needles” are nothing like
the larger diameter needles that inject or remove fluid
from the body. Acupuncture needles are extraordinarily thin, about
40 times narrower than the needles used for injections.
To protect your health, I always use pre-sterilized needles that
are disposed of after one use, as required by OSHA guidelines.
After
an unhurried discussion of your health goals and concerns,
you
lie down on
a massage table, usually |
clothed. Treatment may include
needling acupuncture points and other therapies, such as the
massage of these points for those who are afraid of needles. If needles
are used, you may first feel a slight prick, though most
people feel nothing at all. Typically, you would rest with the needles
in place
for 15 to 30 minutes; many patients fall asleep during this time.
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| Good communication is helpful
so I can respond to any concerns or needs you may have. If you feel
strongly that you do not want acupuncture, I can still use alternate
therapies to help you. I can provide you with a Chinese
herbal formula suited to your condition, and can massage acupuncture
points and utilize some other therapies that don’t employ needles.
There may also be instances when I feel an acupuncture treatment
would be inappropriate. |
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