It's the needles that everyone knows about acupuncture. And it's those needles that prevent most people from looking any further into using acupuncture. Acupuncture works by inserting these fine, metal needles into acupuncture points to manipulate the flow of "qi" or energy through the body. The acupuncture points are numbered from 1 to 41 for the large points, and 1 through 33 for the small points. These points are a major part of the course of study of licensed acupuncturists.
In all, there are over 360 acupuncture points which can be used for stimulation. When fine needles are inserted into these points, the flow of energy through those points can be either interrupted or strengthened. By directing this energy, many health problems can be healed or improved. Tender acupuncture points may indicate area of abnormal energy flow.
Because of their fear of needles, many people are afraid to try acupuncture. Luckily, the insertion of these hair-thin needles along acupuncture points is most often painless. And during the few times when discomfort is experienced, the sensation is akin to a mosquito bite and is far less painful than receiving an injection or donating blood.
Where exactly do the meridians exist? What paths do they take throughout the body? While TCM has already mapped them out, Western science is still trying to play catchup with its own set of tools. The challenge lies, however, in the subtlety of this life force energy, which prevents Western tools from being able to reliably detect it yet. Westerners have tried mapping the meridians to blood or nerve pathways with little success. Some now believe that the connective tissues in the body may hold the meridians.
In addition to the question of their actual locations throughout the body, western science is also trying to unravel the method by which acupuncture points generate their effect. Some scientists are beginning to posit that these points are actually strategic conductors of electromagnetic biological signals. The Gate Theory supposes that the pain signals of the body need to pass through "gates" or stations in their journey from the spinal cord to the brain. Like alleys or highways, the body's roads have a finite amount of traffic which they can handle.
Like ambulances, some signals are given higher priority and clearance by the body's nerve system. These higher priority signals fly by ordinary signals, at times even crowding them completely out of the pathway. Acupuncture generates these faster signals, and subsequently crowds out the slower, lower priority pain signals from reaching the brain. The signals produced by acupuncture may also trigger the release of opioids and other pain-reducing chemicals, perhaps also directing the immune system to give special attention to certain portions of the body.
Experimental and clinical evidence has found that acupuncture not only inhibits pain but also has a direct effect on circulation, blood pressure, blood cell production, and the immune system. It is believed that acupuncture points stimulate the brain and spinal cord to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain, altering brain chemistry in a positive way.
Regardless of when Western science finally unravels the mystery of acupuncture and its points, there is ample evidence to show that acupuncture is effective in treating a variety of diseases. These acupuncture points stimulate the central nervous system at points along the skin with increased electrical conductivity. By balancing qi through its influence on the yin and yang forces in the body, acupuncture is capable of producing amazing medical results.
Peter A.C. Garrison
Author Bio
Evolve Wellness has been helping Los Angeles patients regain their health and wellness for over a decade. From addictions and infertility to back pain and smoking - our Los Angeles Acupuncture Center can help you improve your physical well-being. Call or visit one of our talented team of Los Angeles Acupuncturists today.
