Maybe you’ve heard about acupuncture but have never tried it, maybe you’re a long-time acupuncture fan. Either way you may wonder, how exactly does Acupuncture work? Some kind of ancient magic? Acupuncture is a time-tested medicine based on real anatomy and physiology of the human body, not “woo-woo” or magic.
Ancient Chinese medicine describes qi: energy flow that moves throughout the body to animate us. In 2020 we know that the ancients were on to something. The body is full of electric currents carrying signals from point A to point B to do everything from keep your heart beating at the right pace, to moving your muscles, to feeling a stubbed toe. Qi is just another way of describing this electrical current that moves through nerves, fibers, and fascia. Because fascia is one continuous structure from head to toe, an adhesion or bind in the fascia anywhere in the body can affect how the electrical currents flow everywhere in the body. Acupuncture treatments utilize the body’s interconnection to influence the movement of this electrical current and positively affect your health and well-being.
Another way acupuncture can affect the body is by increasing blood flow. Studies show Acupuncture increases blood flow, One of the main causes of disease is blood stasis, or poor circulation. When there’s a problem with blood flow to any area of the body, that area cannot function properly, and proper blood flow is essential for healing. Acupuncture causes your blood vessels to dilate, re-establishing the movement of oxygen and nutrients to the site of injury and tissues of the body.
Acupuncture is also effective at treating nerve damage. The needles simulate the nervous system and encourage the brain to secrete the neuropeptide that helps the nerve to regenerate. In addition, acupuncture stimulates nerve signals to your brain, helping to release endorphins, reducing pain, relaxing the nervous system and activating the parasympathetic nervous system to calm stress.
For more information on how acupuncture might be beneficial for you, ask any of our providers!