Traditional Chinese acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into the skin at specific "acupoints." This may relieve pain by releasing endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing chemicals, and by affecting the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a brain chemical involved with mood.
Research funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that Acupuncture, when performed correctly, helps the body to release more nitric oxide at the points where the needles are inserted.
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
In conclusion, our results suggest that increased dopamine release after acupuncture treatment at GB34 may lead to an enhancement of dopamine availability in the synaptic cleft that in turn, may play an essential role in motor function improvement against MPTP (Fig. 7).
With Acupuncture treatment the mind, body, spirit and emotions have been viewed as a seamless whole – disharmony in one affects the other – there is no separation. Because of this connection, treating areas of the body affected by trauma, acupuncture can release and heal the emotional pain held in the body.
Stimulating these points and spaces through acupuncture is called 'opening of the chakras', because it activates them and increases the flow of vital energy within them.
As modern medical researchers have noticed a higher amount of endorphins (the body's natural morphine in the brain) is secreted after the acupuncture treatment, which may explain why you may experience a natural high after acupuncture.
Acupuncture stimulates the release of serotonin, but not dopamine, in the rat nucleus accumbens. Tohoku J Exp Med. 2006 Apr;208(4):321-6. doi: 10.1620/tjem.
Acupuncture has also been reported to decrease testosterone and the release of other male hormones in patients with PCOS—a common part of the hormonal imbalance related to high levels of androgens seen in those with the condition.
Results. In the results, overall studies showed that acupuncture increases estrogen, especially estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and other hormones. Estradiol level was increased in most of studies except 3 studies which resulted in decreased level or not meaningful change.
The benefits of acupuncture can last for weeks, months or, even up to a year in some cases. However, this depends entirely on the condition that your patient is being treated for, the severity of their symptoms, and their medical history. Some may see longer-lasting benefits than others.
One well-researched effect of acupuncture is reducing inflammation throughout the body. Acupuncture stimulates chemicals that reduce swelling and quiet unwanted immune responses and allergic reactions.
Acupuncture needles are much thinner than medical needles, and they are solid, not hollow. The needles may cause some muscle sensations, such as dull ache or tingling. Your practitioner will ask you to report when you feel a deep heaviness or numbness. Those sensations usually mean the treatment is working.
Most practitioners agree that acupuncture should not be utilized in the following situations "active infection, especially cutaneous, malignancy, as there might be a threat of the spread of neoplastic cells; and severe neutropenia secondary to the risk of infection".
There are several ways in which acupuncture can help with detoxing the liver including helping you get more restful, peaceful sleep, improved overall health, and healthy brain function. Acupuncture balances the liver's energies and removes toxins from different organs such as the colon, kidneys, and liver.
The block is an absence of connection. This means, within the language of Chinese medicine, that the meridian system is malfunctioning. It has lost its flow and integrative properties. Where once there was communication within the mind/body matrix, there is now stagnation and blockage in the form of fear.
Located along the governing meridian, renzhong is thought to have an influence on weight, especially obesity. This point is located on the philtrum, less than 1 inch below where the nostrils meet.
Acupuncture is beneficial for depression because of its ability to regulate energy flow throughout the body, and its ability to stimulate the production of endorphins, which are essential for mental health and wellbeing. Endorphins are “feel good” chemicals released in the brain.
Serum cortisol levels increased significantly after needling on the traditional acupuncture loci. After acupuncture for 15 and 45 min., the cortisol increase was 28 and 50%, respectively, as compared to the self-control studies.
The fatigue after acupuncture is your body telling you that it's depleted. Feeling fatigued after acupuncture is not cause for concern, but it is a warning sign that you need to rest. Body parts where acupuncture needles get inserted can feel sore after needles are removed.
"Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural feel-good hormones and reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol," says Mathew Kulas, MA, RAc, an acupuncturist at Henry Ford Health. Studies show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety, with fewer side effects than medications.
A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it's common to receive 6 to 8 treatments.
Possible risks of acupuncture are the following: Bleeding, bruising, and soreness may occur at the insertion sites. Unsterilized needles may lead to infection. In rare cases, a needle may break and damage an internal organ.
Some report changes in bowel movements. This is all very normal as acupuncture can stimulate metabolism, help eliminate toxins, and bring the body back to a state of equilibrium.