How Does Acupuncture Work?
Technically, acupuncture is the physical insertion and manipulation of ultra fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. There are over 370 pre-defined acupoints mapped on the human body and innumerable trigger points that come and go with time and injury. In an acupuncture session needles are inserted into acupoints at varying depths depending on their location and an individual's frame; insertion depths range from 2-3mm to depths of 3cm or more. Specific acupuncture point combinations, or point prescriptions for a treatment session, are made according to East Asian medical theories; so that in any given treatment about 10-20 points will be needled. Each point prescription is individually tailored to the patient, their complaint, and the diagnosis made by the clinician during the patient's intake. Needles generally are retained for 20-40 minutes and are manipulated during that time to attain the desired therapeutic result.
An acupuncture session may also include the use of moxibustion or infrared heat therapy. Moxibustion (or moxa for short) involves the igniting of a cotton-like, processed form of the herb Ai Ye, Artemis vulgaris, near or on the skin with a barrier. In Chinese, the word for acupuncture is best translated to "needle and moxibustion"; thus needling and moxa techniques are inextricable at their source. Moxa is used to warm and promote movement at a specific acupoint or area of the body. Similarly, far infrared heat is used to simulate the effects of moxibustion and is an example of the incorporation of modern science in East Asian medicine. Other methods that may be used in a treatment session include magnets, ion pumping cords, and ear seeds. Various types of acupuncture may include Electro-acupuncture, Laser Acupuncture and Microsystems-based Acupuncture (e.g., Ear, Scalp, Hand). There are many styles and techniques of acupuncture as well.
How Does Acupuncture and Chinese herbs Work ?
By boosting the immunity of the body. Acupuncture can increase the activities of natural killer cells and lymphocytes, and increase the blood concentration of antibodies.
By increasing the pain threshold. Researches showed that acupuncture could reduce neuronal response
to painful stimulation while increasing the internal inhibitory effects on pain sensation.
By reducing blood cholesterol levels. Certain herbs such as Hawthorn have been proven to decrease
blood cholesterol level and prevent cardiac diseases.
By reducing the level of stress hormones such as norepinephine, dopamine, corticostrone and ACTH.
By increasing anti-inflammatory effects. Acupuncture can inhibit the release of some pain substances.
By improving the anti-virus function of the immune system.