Once you’ve experienced an acupuncture treatment, you know the magical feeling after a treatment; slightly in a daze, rested/energized, and ready to float into the rest of the day. It’s acubliss. It leaves many patients questioning how does it work? How is something with no medications so powerful and effective? In general we are a society familiar with conventional drug therapy. We know if we take a pill it’s going to diminish or mask a symptom and usually work pretty quickly. However, we are just getting familiar with acupuncture therapy and its mechanisms of action. Although there is still some controversy and mystery about how it works, there is steady amount of research that has proven the mechanisms and effects of what happens when a needle is inserted into an acupuncture point.
How it works…
When an acupuncture needle is inserted a cascade of events occur that cause healing and relaxation. The insertion is considered a micro trauma. As soon as it is inserted, the body begins to respond. For instance, when an acupuncture needle is inserted with an intention to effect the musculoskeletal system there is an increase of blood flow, an analgesic effect, and relaxation in tightness in the muscles. Some studies suggest that acupuncture changes the level of neurotransmitters in the body therefore decreasing cravings and effecting your emotional state. Acupuncture can also alter the pain receptors in the body causing a decrease in pain. There are even studies that show treatments have an effect on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and can reduce hormones associated with Polycystic ovarian syndrome. There is no doubt once a needle is inserted the body’s nerve pathways are activated and a chemical reaction occurs resulting in improved health. As studies continue to be refined and duplicated more and more research will uncover the benefits so many of us have experienced on a personal level.
Commit to your healing…
When we decide to do anything naturally, lose weight, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain it will take time. Nothing happens overnight. Just like a gardener who plants a seed and tends to the garden. We must also view our body with the same level of care. In fact, in Traditional Chinese Medicine the body is viewed as a garden. It is tempting to get frustrated with our health when things don’t materialize ad quickly as we would like. However, with time and proper care we can reap the benefits of great health.
How often should I come…
The rule of thumb is you can never have too many treatments close together, but they can be too far apart. The goal is to begin once and build on your improvement. If the treatments are spaced too far apart we will be constantly beginning again. In the beginning treatments are usually 1-2 week for a few weeks. As long as you are getting better treatments will decrease based on improvement. Typically acute cases can take 5-7 treatments. More chronic complicated cases may take 12 or more sessions.