How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been around for over 5,000 years. Over these many years, doctors from all over the world have been utilizing the healing and balancing effects of acupuncture to treat dozens of varying afflictions.
The origin of acupuncture focuses on a concept known as “Chi”. Chi, was believed to be our energy source as humans. It was speculated that when we experienced discomfort due to an illness or injury, it was a sign that our “Chi” was blocked. Acupuncture was used to release this blockage and reclaim balance and wellness throughout the body.

Modern Explanations for Acupuncture’s Success

With more and more buy in from the modern medical community, Acupuncture is gaining the research it needs to receive proper accreditation for all of the benefits it has been known to have throughout the years.
acupuncture-miamiThrough limited research, doctors and scientists have founded a few theories as to the efficacy of Acupuncture for treating medical conditions:

  • Vascular-Interstitial Theory – Acupuncture works to promote/enhance the movement of material and electrical energy to injured tissues, through the vascular system. In doing so, it simply enhances the network of veins that transfers blood throughout our body, which improves the healing process.
  • Gate Control Theory – Acupuncture works to remove pain stimuli by working with non-nociceptive receptors. In this theory, acupuncture is used as a pain relief treatment and works to limit the amount of pain signals our body sends out in response to an injury or ailment.
  • Blood Chemistry Theory – This theory is based on the premise that Acupuncture can balance the components within our blood (triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids) to create a healthier blood chemistry for more efficient body processes.
  • Autonomic Nervous System Theory – Research suggests that Acupuncture can generate the release of certain natural opioids that can normalize the autonomic nervous system during times of mild or severe pain to minimize the body’s pain response.
  • Neurotransmitter Theory – It is shown that Acupuncture released endorphins and other neurotransmitters that help provide the patient with not only an uplifting mood boost, but a an immune boost as well.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Those these modern theories cover an impressive list of benefits, it is not at all the extensive list of benefits that Acupuncture has been known to provide. Here are some of the specific applications that have shown great success with Acupuncture treatments alone or in conjunction with other treatment modalities:

  • IVF – Study of women utilizing IVF to get pregnant showed an increase in pregnancy likelihood of 65%.
  • Insomnia – Success in getting patients to sleep as well as improving the sleep that patients receive.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Acupuncture cupping has shown signs of improving energy levels, sleep, memory and digestion for those suffering with CFS.
  • Blood Pressure – For both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, studies have shown that acupuncture can be used to stabilize blood pressure levels.
  • Morning Sickness – Acupressure can be used as a safe treatment to help with nausea both with and without vomiting for pregnant women.
  • Migraines – Research has shown Acupuncture to be a more effective migraine treatment than medications.
  • Immune Function During Chemotherapy – Electro and standard acupuncture has shown great promise for cancer patients in not only improving immune strength, but also increasing the patient’s appetite, relieve digestive issues, improve sleep and alleviate some pain.
  • Shoulder Pain – Promising studies resulting in improved state of periarthritis in the shoulder. Some patients were even relieved of their condition entirely.
  • Depression – Studies resulted in improved depression conditions versus a control group, as well as signs that electroacupuncture can be a safer alternative to pills.
  • Gastritis – Studies have shown up to 95% success rate in treating chronic gastritis with acupuncture.

Whether you are studying the ancient forms of acupuncture or the more modern approaches, what you’ll find is a treatment that is dedicated to providing the patient with balance and overall sense of wellness.
To find out more about Acupuncture  call our office at (954) 399-5976.