Celebrating Chinese New Year: The Contribution of Acupuncture

[Guest guest]

This is the beginning of the new lunar calendar. In celebration of

the Chinese New Year, I will be discussing the many wonderful

contributions the Asian cultures have given the world in relation to

alternative medicine.

Celebrating Chinese New Year: The Contribution of Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that channels of energy flowing

throughout the body, may be manipulated by pressure known as

acupressure or with the insertion of fine needles, called

Acupuncture. By manipulating the Qi, our vital life force or energy,

good health is brought into balance. These techniques help the body

to find homeostasis.

The Ancient Art of Acupuncture is the needling of specific points

along " meridians " or channels that run throughout our body.

Acupuncture can be traced back as far as the Stone Age in China.

Acupuncture remained relatively unheard of in the United States until

1974 when Reston, a reporter for the New York Times accompanied

President Nixon on a trip to China where they witnessed an

appendectomy and several demonstrations of serious surgeries being

performed with acupuncture as the only anesthetic using Acupuncture

Anesthesia. Western science has never been able to reconcile how

Acupuncture works. They can prove " that " it works, but not " how " it

works.

The body functions as an entity through 12 channels

called " Meridians " , that distribute Qi. " Meridians " or channels are

pathways of energy flow. Very often pain, numbness, soreness,

sensations of heat or cold, and other sensations along the course of

a meridian will be an important clue to problems in that particular

system. Each meridian connects to an organ. It is through these

meridians that organs receive nourishment and stay in balance

(function properly). There are also 8 extra vessels. that store

energy and help regulate the flow of Qi in the meridians. In addition

there are gates through which the inner Qi communicates with the

environment, to help regulate the body.

It is a natural law that energy flows in wavy lines like the breeze,

mountain ranges and streams. In people, Qi flows in the meridians.

This undulating flow is beneficial and natural and is relative to how

Qi of people interacts with Qi of nature.

How Chinese Medicine Treats

" Several processes have been proposed to explain acupuncture's

effects, primarily those on pain. Acupuncture points are believed to

stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to

release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These

chemicals either change the experience of pain or release other

chemicals, such as hormones, that influence the body's self-

regulating systems. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body's

natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well

being. " (1)

There are three main mechanisms:

Conduction of electromagnetic signals: Western scientists have found

evidence that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of

electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along these pathways

through acupuncture enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at

a greater rate than under normal conditions. These signals may start

the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as endorphins, and of

immune system cells to specific sites in the body that are injured or

vulnerable to disease.

Activation of opioid systems: Research has found that several types

of opioids may be released into the central nervous system during

acupuncture treatment, thereby reducing pain.

Changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary body

functions: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain

chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and

neurohormones in a good way. Acupuncture also has been documented to

affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation

and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and

processes whereby a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body

temperature are regulated.(5)

What Chinese Medicine Treats

Digestive

Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Hyperacidity

Emotional

Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Nervousness, Neurosis.

Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat

Cataracts, Gingivitis, Poor vision, Tinnitis, Toothache,

Tonsillitis.

Gynecological

Infertility, Menopausal Symptoms, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Musculoskeletal

Arthritis, Back pain, Muscle cramping, Muscle pain, Muscle weakness,

Neck pain, Sciatica.

Neurological

Headaches, Migraines, Neurogenic bladder, Parkinson's disease,

Postoperative pain, Stroke, Bell's Palsy.

Respiratory

Asthma, Bronchitis, Common cold, Sinusitis, Smoking cessation,

Miscellaneous

Addiction control, Athletic performance, Blood pressure regulation,

Chronic fatigue, Immune system tonification, Stress reduction.

For an indepth research article on the theories of how acupuncture works, go to my article:

The Biomedical Basis of Holistic Acupuncture http://www.peacefulmind.com/articlesa.htm

Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

http://www.peacefulmind.com/proacumed.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit

Reference:

1. Flaws B. Chace C. Recent TCM Research From China-1991- 1994. Blue Poppy Press, Boulder CO. 1994, p. 86-99.