How Does Acupuncture Work?
The honest answer is that no one knows for certain how acupuncture works, but it is clear that it can have a strong effect on the body. The Chinese explanation is that needling points affects the flow of energy (called qi) in the body. This is a rather unsatisfactory answer for those of us in the West, so I have included a more scientific explanation as well. There appear to be several mechanisms for acupuncture's effects:
1. Activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary system. These glands release endorphins into the central nervous system during acupuncture treatments, thereby reducing pain. Endorphins are thought to be 200 times more potent than morphine-type medications for relieving pain. Endorphins also strongly affect the hormonal systems, which at least partly explains why acupuncture is so effective in the treatment of infertility.
2. Changes in brain chemistry, and involuntary body functions. Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. Other observed physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.
3. The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain which plays a role in human emotions. This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture.
A very interesting area recently being studied is the use of functional MRI devices during acupuncture treatments. This research indicates that needling acupoints causes specific and predictable activation of areas within the brain. For example, an acupuncture point on the foot has been used for centuries to improve eyesight. Scientists initially scoffed at the idea that it could have such an effect, but brain scans clearly show increased activation of the occipital lobe of the brain when the point is needled.
The human body, especially the nervous system, is poorly understood at best. Acupuncture research is at an early stage, and no doubt many more intriguing insights will be gained as science continues to investigate this remarkable art.