Some Studies on How Acupuncture Works

Here are the basics of what we know about how acupuncture works, both Eastern and Western theories. The basic principle of Chinese medicine is that disease is caused by interrupted, or stagnant, energy flow. The fundamental energy of the Qi flows through 14 main meridians, or pathways, along the body, each of which connects with the energy of a major organ (i.e., kidney, liver, etc.) or body function. Acupuncturists strive to balance and harmonize the flow of energy, or Qi, throughout the body. We insert needles along specific points of the body, along the energy pathways, to affect change in the way your energy is flowing.

Once the energy flow changes, the rest of your body adjusts to adapt to the change. You know the importance of flexibility and adapting to change externally. The same principles should be applied internally to keep your body functioning efficiently. As the Qi flows freely, so does life and good health.

There has been some scientific research applied to traditional Chinese medicine to find out what it affects and how it works. What researchers have found is evidence that acupuncture stimulates the release of brain chemicals, such as endorphins, that function to relieve pain. Research has also shown that acupuncture strengthens the immune system, improves circulation, decreases muscle tightness, and increases joint flexibility. In addition, acupuncture has a vasodilating effect. Both the eastern and western approaches to medicine maintain that proper circulation is vital to health. Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulation improves blood flow to the skin, muscle, brain and various other internal organs.

Researchers at the University College London and Southampton University did a series of positron emission tomography (PET) scans to see what happens in the brains of people who receive acupuncture. What they found was that several areas of the brain were activated during acupuncture treatment, including an area of the brain associated with the production of natural opiates (substances that act in a non-specific way to relieve pain), the area involved with the sensation of touch, and the insular, which is thought to be involved in pain modulation.

So, how does acupuncture work? It works well, very well, to help you achieve your optimal level of health. There are all kinds of studies out there that say one thing or another about how acupuncture works, the placebo effect, etc. I think experience is the best teacher. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, because it works. I have experienced greater health as have my patients and my instructors and their patients and their instructors and their patients — you get the point.

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