Acupuncture—Mind/Body Medicine
That Makes Lifestyle Changes Easier
Outstanding Treatment for Pain, Sleep Problems, and Emotional Disorders

by Ellen Triplett, L.Ac., M.S.

     Acupuncture has been used for centuries to help people with acute and chronic diseases. During the past 30 years, the scientific basis of acupuncture has been firmly established by numerous research studies and publications. We now have a much clearer explanation as to how and why acupuncture is so effective.

     A key concept of Chinese Medicine is that the body is animated by a ceaseless flow of energy, called Qi. Disruption of Qi alters homeostasis by creating an imbalance of yin and yang energies, resulting in illness. This energy flow has been shown to be a specific bioelectromagnetic force that traverses the body in channels called meridians. Acupuncturists stimulate the energy along the course of these channels, which serves to unblock, stimulate, and sedate energy imbalances that disturb the bioelectromagnetic force. The body's ionic milieu and consequent electromagnetic fields form standing waves through interference patterns. These waves converge in stable but dynamic patterns that superimpose to form the acupuncture points, meridians, and movement of Qi. These concepts fit well with those of quantum physics, explaining that small, remote changes in a physical, chemical, or biological system can produce non-local effects.

     For example, acupuncture has been shown to affect neuropeptides, endorphins, endogenous steroids, prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This helps explain acupuncture's long history as an effective treatment for both humans and animals.

     Acupuncture is not painful. It often causes feelings of wellbeing, warmth, or tingling. Sometimes there is an electric sensation or the feeling of heaviness. These are within the range of sensations considered acceptable during effective treatment. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and quite relaxing.

     In some cases it is not necessary to use needles at all. For example, when treating young children or sensitive adults, other techniques such as electroacupuncture are very effective. An appropriate treatment strategy can always be found.

     Acupuncture can help or cure the full range of pain syndromes. Acupuncture is useful as well in the treatment of any acute or chronic disease. Acupuncture's full potential for healing is best realized when integrated with an overall nutritional-metabolic-energy balancing approach to recovery for medical problems. This is how I integrate acupuncture into my work as a practitioner of Chinese Medicine.