Scientific research into the mechanism of action of acupuncture began about forty years ago. The undeniable effects of acupuncture on the patient’s body are analgesia, sedation (calming), improvement of homeostasis (dynamic balance of the body), stimulation of the immune system and positive psychological effects.
Today, official or Western medicine accepts acupuncture as one of the methods of so-called complementary medicine (along with, for example, phytoaromatherapy, chiropractic and sound therapy).
Increasing discoveries in the fields of biophysics, molecular biology, and neuroanatomy are supplementing the understanding of the effects of acupuncture on the organism with new details. For instance, today the concept of Qi is no longer necessarily regarded in the West as energy, but rather as a function of the organism most closely related to the autonomic nervous system. The insertion of a needle is a microtrauma that results in a microinflammation and a neuroendocrine response. The creation of the so-called piezoelectric effect between the metallic tip of the needle and the cell membrane influences the static electricity on the surface of the cells and the migration of ions between the cells and the interstitial fluid.
Morphological studies have found specificities in the structure of acupuncture points and the tissues underneath them, whereby an unusually increased density of fine endings of sensory nerves and vascular tangles has been observed. The reflex effect of surface manipulation of needles in the skin on internal organs is also tried to be explained by embryological studies, according to which some distant parts of the body develop from the same germinal bases.
A significant and beneficial effect of acupuncture therapy is applied in the following conditions:
- sports injuries,
- rheumatoid arthritis,
- stress and chronic fatigue,
- anxiety, depression, insomnia,
- menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea),
- migraine headaches,
- nausea in pregnancy,
- assistance in the therapy of infertility,
- strengthening the immune system,
- chronic pain management.
However, it is essential to unequivocally inform every patient that acupuncture is neither a magical nor an all-powerful therapy. Like any other method of treatment, it achieves good results only in cases where full indications for its application have been established based on a sound diagnostic process, both according to traditional Chinese medicine and the principles of modern medical science. It should also be emphasized that it can be applied alone or, more commonly, in combination with other therapies.
Acupuncture techniques
In every cycle of acupuncture treatment, a strictly individualized approach is required for each patient. The initial tasks of the acupuncturist are to thoroughly examine the patient, take a detailed medical history, and review all previous medical documentation. After identifying the problem, it is necessary to select which acupuncture channels to activate and which combination of points to use. Then, it should be determined how many treatments will be necessary and possibly decide when the treatment should be repeated after improvement.
There are twelve pairs of symmetrical energy channels or meridians that correspond to specific organs, along with eight extraordinary ones. The channels communicate with the surface of the body at precisely defined locations – acupuncture points, through which manipulation can influence the flow of energy – Qi.
Needling
The needle is inserted with a swift motion, almost painlessly, to a depth of half to five centimeters, depending on the location on the body, and remains inserted most commonly for 15 to 30 minutes. The good effect of the inserted needle often quickly reveals to us the so-called de qi phenomenon – the appearance of redness around the insertion site. The effect can also be enhanced by manual stimulation – rapid rotation of the inserted needle around its axis.
Today, thin needles made of stainless steel and various alloys are in use. Only disposable sterile needles are used, thereby completely avoiding the risk of transmission of infectious diseases. The acupuncture needle is so thin that its puncture is weaker than that of a mosquito, and it is elastic enough that it cannot break when bent.