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"Decoding an Ancient Therapy" is an illuminating article from The Wall Street Journal for the curious or those seeking scientific evidence for acupuncture’s efficacy. While many of us have experienced the benefits of acupuncture and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), it’s the ‘how’ that continues to fascinate us.
One popular theory is that the insertion and stimulation of the needles causes minor connective tissue damage, stimulating the body’s natural tendency to heal the affected site. Anyone who has experienced the soreness following exercise and deep tissue massage understands this concept: minor trauma or tears to muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia allow these connective tissues to heal stronger than before. While valid, this theory still begs the question of how distal points may affect specific physiologic functions; for example, how does St36, located below the knee, regulate gastrointestinal function?
Many of our patients are seeking help with stress reduction. Following an acupuncture session, especially one incorporating the Sishencong, four points located on top of the head, practitioners often hear the patient describe a sensation of “the fog being lifted”. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the brain may shed some light on how acupuncture acts to calm and relax the mind. Whether we are affected by “good stressors”, such as excitement over an upcoming vacation, or “bad stressors”, like the past due work or school project, the limbic system controlling our emotions is activated. MRI imaging has demonstrated the effects of acupuncture on quieting the brain’s reaction to pain or stress, while activating calming mechanisms. Not only does acupuncture calm the mind, but, it has also been shown to reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration.
Watch the video of the author receiving acupuncture and see if you recognize a commonly used point, LI4.
-Laurel Johnson, DC, LAc, Dipl. OM
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