Acupuncture & Modern Research
Modern Research Acknowledges Benefits of Acupuncture
While acupuncture has been used as a heath care for more than 5000 years, it has only been in recent decades that modern science has begun to understand how this ancient medicine works. Thanks to medical research studies, acupuncture has been gaining support from scientists, hospitals and medical research organizations the world over.
Worldwide Studies Confirm Acupuncture Benefits
In February 2013, a study conducted by the Clinical Journal of Pain showed that acupuncture helped relieve back pain, which is a common muscular skeletal problem.
In addition, the Spine Journal conducted numerous systematic studies, and 25 of the 34 studies, provided relevant data showing that acupuncture had favorable effects on chronic low back pain.
The BMJ in 2013 also reported that acupuncture and moxibustion can increase the success rate of in-vitro fertilization, increasing the chances of viable pregnancies.
In Italy, a 2016 study showed that acupuncture could eliminate e need for additional drugs and improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients. More than 190 patients were included in the test.
Also in 2016, a study published by The Cochrane Review concluded acupuncture treatments cannot only relieve the pain associated with headaches, but it can even control or prevent migraines before they happen.
Current Research Topics on Acupuncture
Fact is, many health issues are finding positive relief with the help of acupuncture. Here is a list of some of the topics that are currently being studied:
• Acupuncture & In Vitro Fertilization
• Acupuncture & Insomnia
• Acupuncture & Fibromyalgia
• Acupuncture & Women’s Reproductive Health
• Acupuncture & Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Acupuncture& Depression
• Acupuncture & Hypertension
• Acupuncture & Pain Relief for Cancer Patients
• Acupuncture & Migraines
• Acupuncture & Asthma
• Acupuncture & Wrist/Ankle Pain
• Acupuncture & Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Acupuncture & Allergic Rhinitis
•Chinese Herbal Medicine & COVID 19
Additional Studies?
Chinese medicine views the body as a network of interconnected meridians that transmit Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. When the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) is obstructed or moving irregularly, the function of muscles, organs, and tissue is impaired. Hair-like needles are used at certain points on the body to correct imbalances in Qi. When the flow of energy is unblocked, the body can repair and regulate itself. There has been much research proving the effectiveness of acupuncture in helping with chronic back pain, migraine, tension headaches, and fertility.
What do people use acupuncture for?
People use acupuncture to help with conditions such as:
Acid Reflux and GERD
Fertility
Back Pain
Headaches
Sciatica
Stress and Anxiety
Weight Loss
Allergies
Migraines
Is there scientific evidence that it works?
China, Russia, Germany, and Japan are investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture using scientific instruments to measure phenomena like Qi, Yin and Yang, acupuncture points, etc. Some research suggests that acupuncture points are electromagnetic places of least resistance in the body. Recent research using Functional MRI scans have demonstrated its effectiveness. The World Health Organization and National Institute of Health have endorsed acupuncture for a variety of conditions and the new ICD 11 insurance codes include TCM diagnosis.
Testimonial for Acupuncture
“When I first started treatment with Dr. Julie I could barely close my hands. I have severe carpal tunnel in both wrists. Within a short time of treatment (about 3 weeks), I was able to make a fist and actually grip things. It took only about 6 weeks before I was able to get very reasonable use of both of my hands (when my Dr. said that only surgery would accomplish this).
She also treated me for other things and I found that she went above and beyond to help me with any complaint I had. She was willing to try new things to find what worked best for me and even did research on her own time to make sure she was giving me the best treatment possible.
I am deeply grateful to Dr. Julie for all she has done and hope that anyone suffering from pain will allow her the opportunity to help. She is a great heart and giving soul who will do everything possible to help.”
—S.R.
San Jose, CA
Current Theories on the Mechanism of Acupuncture
1. Neurotransmitter Theory – Acupuncture affects higher brain areas, stimulating neurotransmitters that influences the immune system.
2. Blood Chemistry Theory – Acupuncture affects blood components like triglycerides, helping regulate the body toward homeostasis.
3. Autonomic Nervous System Theory – Acupuncture stimulates the release of natural substances and opioids, affecting changes in their turnover rate, helping reduce pain.
4. Vascular-interstitial Theory – Acupuncture enhances the electrical system of the body, allowing for faster healing between tissues.
5. Gate Control Theory –
Acupuncture activates certain receptors that inhibit the transmission of signals, helping one “get out” of painful stimuli.
Source: “Modern Research and Acupuncture,” (brochure) by Acupuncture Media Works. © 2018