| Modern Research & Acupuncture |
| Acupuncture has been employed as a health care modality for over 3,000 years. |
Practitioners of this ancient medical practice have experienced clinical success with a
variety of health issues. Today, acupuncture is receiving a wide acceptance as a
respected, valid and effective form of health care.
When most people think about acupuncture, they are familiar with its use for pain
control. But acupuncture has a proven track record of treating and addressing a
variety of endocrine, circulatory and systemic conditions.
Acupuncture and modern medicine, when used together, have the potential to support,
strengthen and nurture the body towards health and well-being.
variety of health issues. Today, acupuncture is receiving a wide acceptance as a
respected, valid and effective form of health care.
When most people think about acupuncture, they are familiar with its use for pain
control. But acupuncture has a proven track record of treating and addressing a
variety of endocrine, circulatory and systemic conditions.
Acupuncture and modern medicine, when used together, have the potential to support,
strengthen and nurture the body towards health and well-being.
| Physiological Effects of Acupuncture |
Over the last few decades, research had been conducted seeking to explain how
acupuncture works and what it can and cannot treat.
The 1997 National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus n Acupuncture reports that
"studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses,
mediated mainly by sensory neurons, to many structures within the central nervous
system. This can lead to activation of pathways, affecting various physiological
systems in the brain, as well as in the periphery."1
The NIH Consensus also suggests that acupuncture "may activate the hypothalamus
and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in
the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, and changes in the regulation
of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally, have been documented. There is also
evidence of alterations of immune functions produced by acupuncture."2
Current theories on the mechanisms of acupuncture:
1. Neurotransmitter Theory: Acupuncture affects higher brain areas, stimulating the
secretion of beta-endorphins and enkephalins in the brain and spinal cord. The
release of neurotransmitters influences the immune system and the antinociceptive
systems. 3,4,5
2. Autonomic Nervous System Theory: Acupuncture stimulates the release of
norepinephrine, acetyllcholine and several types of opioids, affecting changes in their
turnover rate, normalizing the autonomic nervous system, and reducing pain. 6,7
3. Gate Control Theory: Acupuncture activates non-nociceptive receptors that inhibit
the transmission of nociceptive signals in the dorsal horn, "gating out" painful stimuli. 8
4. Vascular-interstitial Theory: Acupuncture manipulates the electrical system of the
body by creating or enhancing closed-circuit transport in tissues. This facilitates
healing by allowing the transfer of material and electrical energy between normal and
injured tissues.9
5. Blood Chemistry Theory: Acupuncture affects the blood concentrations of
triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids, suggesting that acupuncture can both
raise and diminish peripheral blood components thereby regulating the body toward
homeostasis. 10
According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 51% of medical
doctors understand the efficacy and value of acupuncture, and medical doctors refer
patients to acupuncturists more than any other alternative care provider. 11
The NIH Consensus on Acupuncture further states that clinical experience, supported
by research data, suggests "acupuncture may be a reasonable option for a number of
clinical conditions." 12
Evidence also points to positive clinical trials that "include addiction, stroke
rehabilitation, carpel tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, and headaches." The
Consensus also mentions that acupuncture treatments may be helpful for other
conditions such as asthma, postoperative pain, myofascial pain, and low back pain. 13
acupuncture works and what it can and cannot treat.
The 1997 National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus n Acupuncture reports that
"studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses,
mediated mainly by sensory neurons, to many structures within the central nervous
system. This can lead to activation of pathways, affecting various physiological
systems in the brain, as well as in the periphery."1
The NIH Consensus also suggests that acupuncture "may activate the hypothalamus
and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in
the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, and changes in the regulation
of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally, have been documented. There is also
evidence of alterations of immune functions produced by acupuncture."2
Current theories on the mechanisms of acupuncture:
1. Neurotransmitter Theory: Acupuncture affects higher brain areas, stimulating the
secretion of beta-endorphins and enkephalins in the brain and spinal cord. The
release of neurotransmitters influences the immune system and the antinociceptive
systems. 3,4,5
2. Autonomic Nervous System Theory: Acupuncture stimulates the release of
norepinephrine, acetyllcholine and several types of opioids, affecting changes in their
turnover rate, normalizing the autonomic nervous system, and reducing pain. 6,7
3. Gate Control Theory: Acupuncture activates non-nociceptive receptors that inhibit
the transmission of nociceptive signals in the dorsal horn, "gating out" painful stimuli. 8
4. Vascular-interstitial Theory: Acupuncture manipulates the electrical system of the
body by creating or enhancing closed-circuit transport in tissues. This facilitates
healing by allowing the transfer of material and electrical energy between normal and
injured tissues.9
5. Blood Chemistry Theory: Acupuncture affects the blood concentrations of
triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids, suggesting that acupuncture can both
raise and diminish peripheral blood components thereby regulating the body toward
homeostasis. 10
According to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 51% of medical
doctors understand the efficacy and value of acupuncture, and medical doctors refer
patients to acupuncturists more than any other alternative care provider. 11
The NIH Consensus on Acupuncture further states that clinical experience, supported
by research data, suggests "acupuncture may be a reasonable option for a number of
clinical conditions." 12
Evidence also points to positive clinical trials that "include addiction, stroke
rehabilitation, carpel tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, and headaches." The
Consensus also mentions that acupuncture treatments may be helpful for other
conditions such as asthma, postoperative pain, myofascial pain, and low back pain. 13
that the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) was
Traditional Chinese medical research. totaling more that $9.5 million.
"One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is
substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used
for the same conditions. As an example, musculoskeletal conditions, such as
fybromyalgia, myofascial pain, and tennis elbow, or epicondylitis, are conditions for
which acupuncture may be beneficial. These painful conditions are often treated with,
among other things, anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) or with
steroid injections. Both medical interventions have a potential for deleterious side
effects, but are still widely used and are considered acceptable treatments. The
evidence supporting these therapies is no better than that for acupuncture."14
Research compiled by www.acupuncturemediaworks.com.
Traditional Chinese medical research. totaling more that $9.5 million.
"One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is
substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used
for the same conditions. As an example, musculoskeletal conditions, such as
fybromyalgia, myofascial pain, and tennis elbow, or epicondylitis, are conditions for
which acupuncture may be beneficial. These painful conditions are often treated with,
among other things, anti-inflammatory medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.) or with
steroid injections. Both medical interventions have a potential for deleterious side
effects, but are still widely used and are considered acceptable treatments. The
evidence supporting these therapies is no better than that for acupuncture."14
Research compiled by www.acupuncturemediaworks.com.
1, 2, 12, 13, 14 National Institute of Health (NIH) - NIH Consensus Conference of Acupuncture, Program and Abstracts (Bethesda, MD, Nov 3-5 1997).
3 Neuro-acupuncture, Scientific evidence of acupuncture revealed, 2001 Cho, ZH., et al., p. 128
4 Acupuncture - A scientific appraisal, Ernst, E., White A., 1999, p. 74
5 Acupuncture Energetics - A clinical approach for physicians, Helms, Dr. J. 1997, p. 41-42
6 Anatomy of Neuro-Anatomical Acupuncture, Vol 1, Wong, Dr. J., p. 34
7 Han, J.S. "Acupuncture Activates Endogenous Systems of Analgesia." NIH Consensus Conference on Acupuncture, Program and Abstracts (Bethesda, MD, Nov
3-5 1997).
8 Neuro-acupuncture, Scientific evidence of acupuncture revealed, 2001 Cho, ZH., et al., p. 116
9 Acupuncture Energetics - A clinical approach for physicians, Helms, Dr. J. 1997, p. 66
10 Acupuncture Energetics - A clinical approach for physicians, Helms, Dr. J. 1997, p. 41
11 Astin, J. A. et. al., A review of the incorporation of complementary and alternative medicine by mainstream physicians, Arch Intern Med., 1998; (158):2303-10.
3 Neuro-acupuncture, Scientific evidence of acupuncture revealed, 2001 Cho, ZH., et al., p. 128
4 Acupuncture - A scientific appraisal, Ernst, E., White A., 1999, p. 74
5 Acupuncture Energetics - A clinical approach for physicians, Helms, Dr. J. 1997, p. 41-42
6 Anatomy of Neuro-Anatomical Acupuncture, Vol 1, Wong, Dr. J., p. 34
7 Han, J.S. "Acupuncture Activates Endogenous Systems of Analgesia." NIH Consensus Conference on Acupuncture, Program and Abstracts (Bethesda, MD, Nov
3-5 1997).
8 Neuro-acupuncture, Scientific evidence of acupuncture revealed, 2001 Cho, ZH., et al., p. 116
9 Acupuncture Energetics - A clinical approach for physicians, Helms, Dr. J. 1997, p. 66
10 Acupuncture Energetics - A clinical approach for physicians, Helms, Dr. J. 1997, p. 41
11 Astin, J. A. et. al., A review of the incorporation of complementary and alternative medicine by mainstream physicians, Arch Intern Med., 1998; (158):2303-10.
Green Tea - Positive Effects
Large study in Japan found green tea cut risk for heart attack and stroke significantly
for both women and men. Study of over 40,000 Japanese adults found that women
who drank 5 or more cups of green tea daily cut the risk for heart disease by 31% vs
women who averaged less than 1 cup daily. The risk was cut by 22% for men who
drank 5 or more cups of green tea per day. Risk for suffering a stroke was cut even
more - 62% for women and 42% for men drinking 5 cups per day. Since tea drinking is
so prevalent among Japanese "from all lifestyles and economic groups," AP noted this
study"seem to refute criticism of previous studies, that people who drink green tea are
higher-income and more health-conscious" than the general population. Study done by
Tohoku University in Sendai was funded by Japanese govt and appears in current
Journal of American Medical Assn. 10/25/06
Large study in Japan found green tea cut risk for heart attack and stroke significantly
for both women and men. Study of over 40,000 Japanese adults found that women
who drank 5 or more cups of green tea daily cut the risk for heart disease by 31% vs
women who averaged less than 1 cup daily. The risk was cut by 22% for men who
drank 5 or more cups of green tea per day. Risk for suffering a stroke was cut even
more - 62% for women and 42% for men drinking 5 cups per day. Since tea drinking is
so prevalent among Japanese "from all lifestyles and economic groups," AP noted this
study"seem to refute criticism of previous studies, that people who drink green tea are
higher-income and more health-conscious" than the general population. Study done by
Tohoku University in Sendai was funded by Japanese govt and appears in current
Journal of American Medical Assn. 10/25/06
Acupuncture On Oprah
Check out the Oprah Winfrey Show by clicking on the following link or cut and paste the
link into your browser:
http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/200702/20070213/slide_20070213_350_201.jhtml
Dr. Oz talks introduces Oprah to acupuncture! This was a very interesting show and
quite enlightening.
Check out the Oprah Winfrey Show by clicking on the following link or cut and paste the
link into your browser:
http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/200702/20070213/slide_20070213_350_201.jhtml
Dr. Oz talks introduces Oprah to acupuncture! This was a very interesting show and
quite enlightening.
Acupuncture On ABC News
Great for relieving back pain.
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3645275&affil=kmgh
Great for relieving back pain.
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3645275&affil=kmgh
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Acupuncture Best for Treatment of Headaches - New York Times Article
Check out the NY Times Article by clicking on the following link or cut and paste the link
into your browser:
Acupuncture Provides Headache Relief
Check out the NY Times Article by clicking on the following link or cut and paste the link
into your browser:
Acupuncture Provides Headache Relief
Acupuncture beats drug to treat hot flashes: study - Reuters Article
Check out the Reuters Article by clicking on the following link or cut and paste the link
into your browser:
Acupuncture beats drug to treat hot flashes: study
Check out the Reuters Article by clicking on the following link or cut and paste the link
into your browser:
Acupuncture beats drug to treat hot flashes: study
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| Center for Integrated Eastern Medicine |
