Acupuncture | Alternative Mental Health Treatment
By redirecting energy to these key points within the body, an acupuncturist attempts to recreate balance of the normal flow of energy. This consequently relieves pain and treats disease. Acupuncturists maintain that imbalances of qi manifest as processes of disease and that acupuncture aids the reestablishment of qi balance. Needle insertion is on or near specific meridian points.
Acupuncture is an ancient traditional treatment that has been in practice for 5,000 years and until recently most of the evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture was anecdotal. In the last 20 years however, physiologic mechanisms for many of acupunctures effects have been revealed by research. Dr William Tiller, head of the department of Material Sciences and Engineering at Stanford University, for years found creative ways in which to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture. In one study using a frog, he injected on the median serving the liver with a radioisotope that would outline the meridian. He then cut only the meridian. The cut did not damage blood, nerve or lymph tissue. The result was decay and eventual death of the organ. Many other studies using the full research power of Stanford University were performed demonstrating the actual layout and visualization of the meridian pathways
It has been documented well that stimulation of the meridian points affects the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. Stimulation triggers release and production of endorphins, also known as enkephalins. Endorphins or enkephalins are natural chemicals with pain-relieving effects similar to that of opiates. Current research has suggested that acupuncture may also trigger the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.
There are many theories that exist about the actions of acupuncture, but as of yet, none can explain the multiple anti-inflammatory effects, analgesic effects, sedating effects, and regenerating effects from acupuncture. Acupuncture has also been demonstrated to ease withdrawal symptoms from all known drugs.
During acupuncture sessions, at selected acupuncture meridian points, small needles (1 to 2 inches) are inserted. There are nearly 400 acupressure points on both sides of the human body, and an additional 250 to 300 points which exist outside the lines of the meridian.
It has been documented well that stimulation of the meridian points affects the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. Stimulation triggers release and production of endorphins, also known as enkephalins. Endorphins or enkephalins are natural chemicals with pain-relieving effects similar to that of opiates. Current research has suggested that acupuncture may also trigger the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.
There are many theories that exist about the actions of acupuncture, but as of yet, none can explain the multiple anti-inflammatory effects, analgesic effects, sedating effects, and regenerating effects from acupuncture. Acupuncture has also been demonstrated to ease withdrawal symptoms from all known drugs.
During acupuncture sessions, at selected acupuncture meridian points, small needles (1 to 2 inches) are inserted. There are nearly 400 acupressure points on both sides of the human body, and an additional 250 to 300 points which exist outside the lines of the meridian.
