The Science of Acupuncture
The Western theories behind acupuncture relate to the nervous and hormonal systems of the body. The neurological theory behind acupuncture is called the counter-irritation theory of pain management. It is believed that the insertion of needles into the skin irritates the nerves and causes the nervous system to decrease its sensitivity to pain.
The hormonal explanation for acupuncture is known as the endorphin or enkelphin theory. These two hormones are known to be secreted during acupuncture and have the same analgesic qualities as the drug opium.
Studies indicate that acupuncture clearly effects blood flow to centers of the brain and the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and the regulation of blood pressure, blood flow, oxygenation and body temperature.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, illness is seen to come from imbalances in the basic energetic flow of life, known as qi (pronounced chee,) which in health is smooth and harmonious.
It is not a substance measurable in terms of Western science and from the Western perspective it is not known exactly how acupuncture is effective. Qi flows through 14 channels in the human body, known as meridians, which branch to bodily organs and functions. Disease or illness is the result of a blockage or obstruction in one or more of these meridians. The energy flow is detectable in the pulses of both wrists.
Qi is accessible through approximately 500 different acupuncture points on the body and by inserting extremely fine needles into them in various combinations, acupuncture practitioners rebalance this flow. This will allow your body's natural healing mechanisms to take over.
The British Acupuncture Council provides Briefing Papers which review the evidence of effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of specific conditions. These papers, in Adobe Acrobat format, are available for download at:
www.acupuncture.org.uk/content/Library/documents.asp
How Can Acupuncture Help?
Many patients who have had acupuncture simply find they feel better in themselves, feeling stronger, more decisive or confident, or less affected by life events. Often they cannot describe how they feel different, yet the evidence is there in their new found abilities. This may enable patients to improve their life situations for the better, often facilitating radical change.
Acupuncture can be beneficial in the treatment of:
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Circulatory problems
- Depression
- General aches and pains
- Hayfever
- High blood pressure
- IBS
- Immune system support
- Infertility (male and female)
- Menstrual and menopausal problems
- Migraine and headaches
- Skin conditions
- Stress
- Tiredness
These are just some of the conditions that can benefit from treatment, and acupuncture can also can lead to increased energy levels, a healthier approach to appetite, better quality sleep and a general feeling of wellbeing. It can also help with self-esteem, confidence, anger management and enable us to deal with emotional issues, since emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear, grief, or frustration particularly when they are suppressed, all upset the natural balance of Qi energy.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Members of the British Acupuncture Council are bound by strict Codes of Safe Practice, Professional Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures, ensuring the highest standards of professional care to patients...
Traditional Chinese Medicine
What we now know as traditional chinese acupuncture is part of one of the world's oldest systems of medicine. It works by identifying patterns of symptoms in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
It is a fairly direct system of practice, not unlike Western medicine in that, whilst past medical history is of course taken into account, it concentrates on the current symptoms being experienced by the patient, and as an independent system of medicine it has proved very effective for thousands of years.
Five Elements Acupuncture
Five Element acupuncture places particular importance upon a person’s body, mind and spirit which are considered to be inseparable. It is concerned with treating a person as a whole. Again this system is over 2000 years old and is rooted in Daoism and Naturalism, believing humans to be an integral part of Nature, each one of us a tiny manifestation of the Universe as a whole and, as such, subject to the interplay of the Elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
These are representations of the ways in which energy interplays within each of us, and each one of us will have an energetic resonance to one Element in particular, which gives us our special gifts and abilities in life, but also leaves us vulnerable to particular imbalances such as relationships, or our ability to cope with emotions such as grief or fear.
Of course we are all made up of all of the Elements, but by identifying that which is special within each one of us, we can tailor treatment to support the Element within us that is most in need.
In directing treatment to our core in this way, we enable the body to heal itself.