Acupuncture is one of the fastest growing fields in medicine right now as it provides real solutions to health issues, without the side effects of pharmaceuticals.
Here’s a link to an interesting article and video by The Wall Street Journal about acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. It’s pretty well done and gives some good information.
New research published in Nature Neuroscience in July of 2010 shows that acupuncture can increase the body’s levels of adenosine, which has the ability to reduce pain. Here’s a link to a BBC Health News article about that study. And, here’s the link to the study in Nature Neuroscience.
According to the University of Chicago Medical Center, attention has been focused on the following theories to further explain how acupuncture affects the body:
- Conduction of electromagnetic signals
Evidence suggests that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating these points enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at greater-than-normal rates. These signals may start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as endorphins, or release immune system cells to specific body sites. - Activation of the body’s natural opioid system
Considerable research supports the claim that acupuncture releases opioids, synthetic or naturally-occurring chemicals in the brain that may reduce pain or induce sleep. These chemicals may explain acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects. - Stimulation of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland
Joined at the base of the brain, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands are responsible for many body functions. The hypothalamus activates and controls part of the nervous system, the endocrine processes, and many bodily functions, such as sleep, regulation of temperature, and appetite. The pituitary gland supplies some of the body’s needed hormones. Stimulation of these glands can result in a broad spectrum of effects on various body systems. - Change in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones
Studies suggest that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry in a positive way. This is accomplished by changing the release of neurotransmitters (biochemical substances that stimulate or inhibit nerve impulses) and neurohormones (naturally-occurring chemical substances that can change the structure or function, or impact the activity of, a body organ).
A very positive article – I hope it brings people much benefit! GW
Acupuncture has been gaining popularity nowadays and it accepted by the medical world. It is natural and an alternative way of healing. Many doctors have been recommending acupuncture and it has been linked with fibromyalgia. I hope this would help the condition.
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