How does Acupuncture work?
How does Acupuncture work?
Over 4,000 years ago a theory of a energy life force, which circulated in an organized way throughout the body, developed from ancient Shamanistic beliefs. This life energy circulates throughout the body through pathways similar to the way blood circulates throughout the vessels.
This theory further evolved into a system of channels and pathways, and was passed down over the millennia through observation and treatment provided by ancient practitioners. Shen Nung, the father of Chinese medicine, identified hundreds of points along these “meridians” that when stimulated by needles produced profound changes in physiological functions.
Health depends upon balance: balance of all activities of all bodily systems. At the core of this balance is the energy that is the source of all life. This energy is called Qi (chee).
Since the 1970’s when New York Times journalist James Reardon reported upon witnessing the wonders of acupuncture anesthesia during a trip to China, people have been fascinated about “how acupuncture works”. Though there is no proven scientific explanation of “how” it works, there are several theories.
- “Augmentation of Immunity” – Acupuncture raises levels of specific hormones prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, and overall anti-body levels.
- The “Endorphin” Theory – Acupuncture stimulates the secretions of endorphins in the body (specifically Enkaphalins).
- The “Neurotransmitter” Theory – Acupuncture affects certain neurotransmitter levels such as Serotonin and Noradrenalin
- “Circulatory” Theory – Acupuncture has the effect of constricting or dilating blood vessels. This may be caused by the body’s release of Vasodilators, such as Histamine, in response to Acupuncture.
- ”Gate Control” Theory – According to this theory, Acupuncture closes certain nerve gates by strategically overloading them with impulses, thus reducing pain transmission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Advanced Acupuncture is a technique that involves the use of hair-thin needles inserted into specific acupuncture points to treat pain and disease. At an acupuncture clinic in New York City, particularly on the Upper East Side, this technique is utilized to break up obstructions, move stagnation, and redirect the body’s energy to where it is needed. With over 20 years of experience, I have found that incorporating the latest research involving supplements, vitamins, herbal, and enzyme formulations into acupuncture treatments can maximize results and revolutionize ancient medicine, bringing it into the 21st century.
Acupuncture has been proven to successfully treat a variety of conditions and diseases, as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has published an approved list of 31 such conditions. These include pain, anxiety, depression, and digestive disorders, among others. If you are looking for the best acupuncture near you, consider visiting an acupuncture clinic in New York City, such as one located on the Upper East Side.
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Tennis elbow
- Knee pain
- Peri-arthritis of the shoulder
- Sprains
- Facial pain
- TMJ
- Headache
- Dental pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Induction of labor
- Breech birth presentation
- Morning sickness
- Postoperative pain
- Stroke
- Essential hypertension
- Primary hypotension
- Renal colic
- Leucopenia
- Radiation/chemo reactions
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Hay fever
- Biliary colic
- Depression
- Acute bacillary dysentery
- Primary dysmenorrhea
- Acute epigastralgia
Peptic ulcer
Yes, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with physical therapy to enhance the healing process. By targeting specific acupuncture points, the therapy can help to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation, all of which can aid in the recovery process. If you are receiving physical therapy, consider incorporating acupuncture into your treatment plan at an acupuncture clinic in New York City.