Acupuncture Effectiveness
The Effectiveness of Acupuncture Treatment
From a Western, biomedical perspective, significant physiological chances can occur with a client during acupuncture treatments. These changes include a shifting of the involvement of the sympathetic and para-sympathetic nervous systems. These changes allow for greater and more rapid healing. There is a slowing of brain wave patterns and other activity indicating a state of deep relaxation and awareness. PET scan technology has indicated changes in brain chemistry and the activation or de-activation of particular areas of the brain. These changes are consistent with the physiological changes consistent with heightened relaxation, awareness, and healing.
However, the effects of acupuncture cannot be adequately explained from a biomedical point of view. During treatment the acupuncturist corrects the body’s imbalances by regulating and building up the Qi, or energy flow in the body. From a Chinese medicine perspective, the body’s energy moves in conduits or channels often called meridians. They move from the surface of the body inward, connecting to and nourishing the internal organs, then outward back to the surface. These channels flow through active points often called acupuncture points. Manipulating these points changes the energy flow of the meridians which in turn changes the body. This energy flow occurs about 30 minutes, and when the flow of one or more meridians is disrupted for an extended period of time, pain and disharmony ensues, often leading to serious illness.
Anyone can reap the benefits of this wonderful healing art, regardless of their feelings towards Oriental Medicine or acupuncture. The ability to believe in, or being able to explain acupuncture’s efficacy is irrelevant to its effectiveness. The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture as an effective therapy for numerous conditions.