About: How does Acupuncture Work?
Western Scienctific Theory
Many Western doctors believe that stimulation of empirically specific points causes the nervous system to release endorphins and other naturally occurring chemicals and hormones that affect pain perception, mood, and overall health. Documented physiological shifts following acupuncture show an increase in the body’s own natural painkillers, anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics. Secondly, acupuncture stimulates the body’s immune system, affecting heart rate, brain activity, and blood pressure: not only does acupuncture relieve pain, it also increases the body’s own natural ability to heal itself and to prevent disease.
Chinese Medical Theory
Western physics tells us the universe is
divided into matter and energy. Chinese medical theory has understood
this for thousands of years and refer to this energy as "Qi"
(pronounced 'chee'). Qi and matter both exist in the human body. Qi,
though we can't see it, flows through the body the same way blood
does, in well-defined pathways, called meridians. Qi circulates
through these meridians the same way water flows through a hose: if
there is a kink in the hose the water flow is disrupted and part of
the hose becomes empty while the other part becomes overfull
Similarly, when Qi is blocked in the meridians, pain and illness result. Stimulating an acupuncture point is similar to removing the kink in the hose: it gets the Qi flowing again so that health is restored to the entire being.
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