How Does Acupuncture Work?
The Healing Hands... and Needles Of Acupuncture
How does acupuncture work?
The ‘million dollar question’ as I love to call it, has a short answer: We don’t know how acupuncture works. Here “we” means the modern scientific community and “how” means the precise mechanisms responsible for the observed effects.
Nevertheless, many people will instantly dismiss acupuncture as ineffective, before experiencing results. That is, saying simply that we don’t know how it works equates – somehow – to simply no possibility of being of any value. But we do know – by way of blood analysis and fMRI – that acupuncture has an immediate effect on the biochemistry, immunity and the central nervous system!
We also know that acupuncture works in both a systemic and localized manner. For example, when you are being treated for a shoulder injury it is not uncommon for patients to also experience improved digestion!
One way to better understand the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture would be to compare excellent responders to those who have an average response. Genetic studies as performed in cancer research could help distinguish optimal from just “ok” responders.
In summary, we know that acupuncture works. But just as it has taken years to understand how a simple antibiotic works, the mysterious mechanisms of acupuncture will eventually be revealed by modern medical science.
†Terry Jeanne, MSOM, is a licensed professional acupuncturist and herbalist, involved in the Chattanooga community.
She encourages you to consult with her even if you have “tried” acupuncture before.
In-office initial consult is no charge to you.
423 400-3884
423 553-9995
www.SunSoulAcupuncture.com
