How does acupuncture work scientifically?
Over the last number of years there has been a significant amount of research done on the mechanisms of acupuncture in this country and elsewhere. This research helps explain some of the effects of acupuncture on the body, but there remains much that is not readily understandable.
Early research that pertains to acupuncture, but which was not done specifically in regards to acupuncture, was done in the early 1960s by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall. Their research came to be known as "gate control theory." This theory helps to account for the clinically recognized importance of the mind and brain in pain perception. Their experments helped to explain how acupuncture modifies the transmission of nerve impulses between the spinal cord and the brain.
In the gate control theory, the experience of pain depends on a complex interplay of the two major divisions of the nervous system: the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain) and the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, including branching nerves in the torso and extremities and the nerves in the lumbar spine region). Upon injury, pain messages originate in the nerve associated with the damaged tissue and flow along the peripheral nerves (nerve gates) to the spinal cord and on up to the brain.
Acupuncture works by stimulating and activating other sensory nerve fibers that are even faster than the "nerve gates" carrying the pain message to the brain, which modifies the transmission of neural impulses between the spinal cord and the brain. This can help to relieve or even alleviate pain altogether. Acupuncture is also known to stimulate the release of endogenous morphine like substances called "endorphins." Endorphins are brain hormones produced by the body as a response to stress. Their release during the exertion of running or swimming accounts to what is referred to as a "runner's or swimmer's high." Endorphins induce a euphoric sense of well-being, serving as an adaptive and regenerative resource for coping with pain, one form stress takes.
Other experiments, includin the study of acupuncture-assisted surgery, have shown that acupuncture not only inhibits pain, but also directly affects peripheral microcirculation, rhythm and stroke volume of the heart, blood pressure, levels of circulating immunoglobulins, gastrointestinal peristalis, secretion of hydrochloric acid and the production of red and white blood cells. Acupuncture seems to adjust all the physiological processes of the organism, possibly through activation of the homeostatic function of the autonomic nervous system.
If you further questions on how acupuncture works, its health benefits or any questions about a specific health problem you are experiencing, please give us a call.
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