Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is effective for a wide variety of concerns including pain, stress and mental health concerns, digestive troubles, respiratory issues, gynecological or andrological concerns or respiratory issues. It can also uncover the underlying root cause(s) of those symptoms. The goal of acupuncture treatment is to activate the natural self-healing abilities of the body. It can also strengthen and support the body in preventing future illness and disease.
Acupuncture can help with:
Digestive Disorders
IBS symptoms, gastritis and acid reflux, constipation, bloating, nausea and vomiting.
Stress and Mental Health
Stress reduction, anxiety and panic disorders, depression, insomnia, mood regulation, addiction withdrawal symptoms
Pain Management
Chronic pain, headaches and migraines, MSK pain, and neuropathic pain
Women's Health and Fertility
Menstrual disorders, fertility concerns, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, menopausal symptoms, reproductive health conditions
Respiratory Disorders
Asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, COPD symptoms, immune support
General Well-being
Acupuncture promotes holistic wellness by addressing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health aspects. It encourages a balanced lifestyle and supports overall vitality.
Other benefits of acupuncture treatment also include:
Support for autoimmune diseases, endocrine issues, adjunctive cancer therapy and smoking cessation.
How acupuncture works:
From a modern scientific viewpoint, many different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the effects of acupuncture.
It's important to note that while there is scientific evidence supporting some of these mechanisms, acupuncture's exact therapeutic effects and mechanisms are still an area of active research and debate. Part of this lies in the difficulty of putting a holistic medicine, which works on multiple receptors and bodily systems at once to enact change, into the reductionist style framework that Western medicine employs.
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From an Eastern medicine perspective, particularly within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture works based on the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"), which is considered a vital energy that flows through meridians or pathways in the body.
Neurotransmitter release
Inserting acupuncture needles at specific points may stimulate sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. This stimulation can lead to the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters.
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Endorphins are natural pain-relieving chemicals that can help reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being. Serotonin is involved in mood regulation and can contribute to the antidepressant effects sometimes observed with acupuncture.
Activation of the endogenous opioid system
Research has shown that acupuncture can stimulate the release of endogenous opioids, such as endorphins and enkephalins, in the brain and spinal cord. These substances are natural painkillers and can modulate pain perception.
Connective tissue stimulation
Acupuncture needles may interact with connective tissue, fascia, and muscle fibers. This interaction can generate mechanical signals that propagate through the body, triggering biochemical and physiological responses.
Effect on local tissues
Inserting acupuncture needles into specific points can stimulate blood flow and trigger local inflammatory responses. This can promote tissue healing and repair.
Gate control theory of pain
According to this theory, acupuncture stimulation may block the transmission of pain signals in the nervous system. This could help explain acupuncture's analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
Neurotransmitter and hormone modulation
Acupuncture has been found to affect various neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and noradrenaline) and hormones (such as cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone).
These biochemical changes can influence physiological processes such as pain modulation, inflammation, immune function, and stress response.
