Acupuncture
Acupuncture has evolved over two centuries and has provided a model of health, disorder, and treatment. The ancient Orientals suggested that energy circulates through channels and when flow becomes stagnated, illness or pain develops. It is thought that with the placement of acupuncture needles in specific clefts of the body (acupuncture points) a new set of "computer programs or instructions" are inputted for improved production of important chemicals. The Orientals felt that no one should note a personality change with disease or pain. Vitality, energy, sleep, and a sense of well being are important to quality of life.Although the National Health Institute would not use such descriptive vocabulary, it has studied the mechanisms of action of acupuncture, including the release of Opioids and other Neuro-peptides, as well as changes in Neuro-endocrine function. Significant increases in serotonin (helpful in modulating pain and preventing depression) are noted and endorphins (similar to morphine and decrease neurotransmission of painful messages), cortisone-like chemicals (decrease swelling and promote a sense of well being), and testosterone (which provides vigor) are also stimulated with acupuncture.
Studies have now demonstrated that these points exist and flow occurs. Introduction of radioisotope in non-acupuncture sites results in a generalized dispersed manner compared to the linear flow of a meridian.
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most feel only minimal sensation or nothing at all. The needles are very thin and solid contrary to the hollow cutting hypodermic needle. Often after acupuncture treatment a state of euphoria or sensation of deep relaxation is observed, precluding the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
You do not have to believe in acupuncture for it to work. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses, and other animals. Some physicians at Medical Rehabilitation Associates are trained to use Medical Acupuncture. Licensed Western medical physicians can use strictly allopathic medicine, acupuncture, or a combination of both to treat illness.
Acupuncture, as a therapeutic intervention, is widely practiced in the United States. There have been many studies of its potential usefulness. Promising research has emerged, for example, in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea/vomiting and in postoperative dental pain. There are other situations such as Addiction, stroke rehabilitation, Headache, menstrual cramps, Tennis Elbow, Fibromyalgia, Myofacial pain, Osteoarthritis, Low Back Pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and asthma for which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative in a comprehensive management program.