How Acupuncture Works

History

Acupuncture originated in China 5,000 years ago and has been practiced throughout the Asian world for many centuries. Acupuncture was accepted into the Western mainstream culture in the 1970’s. It is currently soaring in popularity throughout many parts of the Western hemisphere.

Eastern Theory – Qi and Meridians

Through extremely fine needles, acupuncture manipulates the flow of Qi in the body, which is the life force or energy force present in all living things. Acupuncture theory suggests that there are 12 main meridians through which Qi flows. These meridians correspond to the major internal organs of the body. For instance, there is a liver meridian, a heart meridian, and so on. In each of these meridians, the Qi can become stagnant or deficient. Stagnant Qi means that there is a blockage or excess of energy, which can cause a variety of symptoms including pain, inflammation, headaches, high blood pressure, depression, and menstrual imbalances. Deficient Qi means that there isn’t enough functional energy within a given organ to perform its necessary duties. For instance, chronic diarrhea and fatigue can be caused by deficient Qi of the spleen.

Acupoints

Acupuncture typically involves inserting needles into several acupoints (tsubos), which are specific locations on the meridians where Qi gathers. There are 365 acupoints on the 12 meridians, along with numerous ‘extra points’ that are located throughout the body. There are also microsystems such as the ear, eye, nose, and hand that can treat the body or be used to control symptoms. By manipulating the flow of Qi on a given meridian, stagnant Qi can be dispersed and deficient Qi can be tonified. As a result, the symptoms related to underlying energetic imbalances should naturally improve.

Western Theory – Neurotransmitters

From a Western biomedical perspective, acupuncture has been proven to release neurotransmitters like serotonin and beta-endorphins, opiate-like substances made by the brain. Serotonin balance is essential for emotional and mental health and has been linked to healthy eating patterns, sleeping patterns, and the degree of pain in the body. Beta-endorphins are analgesic and anti-inflammatory and are responsible for the ‘runner’s high’, which is why acupuncture can induce similar sensations.