How Does Acupuncture Work?

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body. The selection of the points depends on the particular condition of the patient and the diagnosis given by the practitioner. How it works is an ongoing subject of debate.

Traditionally, it works through the manipulation of Qi to effect a particular result. Illness is thought to be the result of a disorder of essential body substances of Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang. To much or too little of these substances will result in an imbalance in the function of the body’s systems and over time those imbalances will manifest in a collection of symptoms associated with a particular illness.

These substances travel through the body in channels or meridians. Each of us has twelve primary channels and eight extraordinary channels. They deliver the essential substances throughout the body to nourish organs, systems and body surfaces. Each of the body’s organs, channels and systems is connected through the channel system. If there is an imbalance in one, it effects another associated organ or system.

More modern explanations of how acupuncture works focus on the effect of acupuncture on the hormones. Studies show that acupuncture increases the level of certain hormones in the body.

For instance, acupuncture increases the levels of endorphins in our bodies. Endorphins are hormone which effect brain centers that have an effect on our emotional wellbeing — they improve our sense of wellbeing. This explains why so many people report an improved sense of wellbeing following an acupuncture treatment. Regardless of the theory subscribed to, there is no question that acupuncture works on many and varied conditions.