Acupuncture - Are you a sceptic? The Science is in!
- tiffkertesz
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
'But how does it work?' This is such a common question and one that is often difficult to answer. Everyone wants proof, so I'm going to show you my two favourite scientific studies. There is a wealth of other information out there.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective
Qi (Energy Flow): Acupuncture is based on the idea that the body has a vital energy called "Qi" (pronounced "chee") that flows through pathways called meridians. Illness or discomfort occurs when the flow of Qi is blocked or imbalanced.
Restoring Balance: Acupuncture points along these meridians are stimulated to restore the balance of Qi, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
We are electrical beings. Our heart beats due to an electrical impulse. Nerves communicate via electrical events called 'action potentials' and chemical neurotransmitters. At the junction between two neurons (synapse), an action potential causes neuron A to release a chemical neurotransmitter. When these pathways are blocked or weakened, communication fails and health problems occur, imbalances and pain. Physically, metabolically, mentally, the whole endocrine system needs these pathways to be clear and functioning. Acupuncture is like a little lightening bolt, jump-starting the conversation again. Acupuncture stimultes your body to heal itself.
Complementary and alternative medicine modalities are often not candidates for controlled trials, which are the foundation of evidence-based medical practices. Acupuncture is no exception. To perform controlled acupuncture or “sham” is complicated and mostly relies on non-penetrating needles or the placement of needles at non-acupuncture points. Another limitation is that acupuncture is an individualised treatment, which makes standardisation for a study difficult. So how else can we prove it works to those sceptics?
'Migration of an isotope along meridians" refers to a concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where a radioactive tracer, injected at a specific acupuncture point, is observed to move along the body following the pathways of the meridians, suggesting the existence of these "energy channels" beyond the known circulatory and nervous systems; essentially, it's a method used to study the potential flow of substances along meridian pathways by tracking the movement of a radioactive isotope after injection at an acupuncture point.'
cit. Wang, Guang-Jun & Ayati, Mohammad Hossein & Zhang, Wei-Bo. (2010). Meridian Studies in China: A Systematic Review. Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies. 3. 1-9. 10.1016/S2005-2901(10)60001-5.
This video was taken from Marie Reynolds who placed blood from a client under the microscope before and after treatment, this was just out of interest and not part of a full scale study. You can see a clear differntitation in the cells stagnating prior to acupuncture and fully charged after! This was using just 4 needles.
And a bit of input from AI!
Modern Scientific Perspective
Research has provided insights into physiological mechanisms that may explain how acupuncture works:
Nervous System Stimulation:
Acupuncture points are often located near nerves. Stimulating these points can activate sensory nerves that send signals to the brain.
This process can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, which help reduce pain and improve mood.
Pain Modulation:
Acupuncture can stimulate the body's natural pain-relief mechanisms by activating the release of endorphins and altering pain perception in the brain and spinal cord.
It may also inhibit pain signals by disrupting their pathways.
Inflammation Reduction:
Studies suggest acupuncture can regulate immune and inflammatory responses, reducing chronic inflammation associated with various conditions.
Blood Flow and Muscle Relaxation:
Needling may improve local blood circulation, delivering nutrients and oxygen to tissues and aiding in the healing process.
It can relax tight muscles and reduce tension, contributing to pain relief.
So what are you waiting for? Book in now
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