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Eastern and Western explanations for how acupuncture works
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Acupuncture works, but Eastern and Western medicine explain how it works a bit differently.
Eastern medicine and the balance of yin and yang
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that health and wellness are obtained when the two opposing energy forces in the body, yin and yang, are in balance with one another. According to this theory, acupuncture works by altering the balance between ying and yan. By inserting needles at meridian points on the body and manipulating them or applying heat, the energy flows may be released or altered. Traditional Chinese medicine asserts that qi, or energy, along with blood must flow freely. When it is blocked, disease may result. Acupuncture works, according to this theory, by releasing qi and improving blood flow. The body can then heal itself and achieve a state of equilibrium or balance.
Western medicine believes it's all about endorphins
Acupuncture came ashore in America sometime in the 1950's and 1960's, gaining prominent in the early 1970's from a reporter's article on the subject. Since then, countless researchers, doctors and scientists have tried to explain how acupuncture works according to the Western understanding of human anatomy and healing.
One primary explanation for how acupuncture works is that it releases endorphins and other naturally occurring painkillers in the body. The human body makes endorphins to block pain and discomfort. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the production of these chemicals, along with myriad others responsible for regulating the nervous system. This may also account for acupuncture's ability to treat depression, addiction, and mental states as well as pain; it may be altering the body's natural chemistry without the use of pharmaceutical drugs.
Many theories, no one answer
Like most alternative medicine, there are many theories but no one answer as to how and why acupuncture works. That it does work is pretty much a given, although it may not work for everyone. Animal studies demonstrate its effectiveness as well as countless human studies and anecdotal reports. Whether it releases naturally occurring brain chemicals or qi, acupuncture appears to be a relatively safe method of pain control as well as helpful to other conditions.
The next installment in this series on acupuncture will focus on finding an acupuncturist, followed by what to expect from a visit to an acupuncturist.
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