Acupuncture

Bridging & integrating different body systems

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture has three main theories describing how and why it works, and with the current advancements in science in the fields of biophysics, biochemistry, and physiology, we are now able to understand the complex mechanisms of acupuncture.

Neural theory: Insertion of needles stimulates nerve fibers to carry electrical impulses back to the brain increasing beta endorphin concentrations.

Electrical theory: Research has shown that there is a higher electrical magnetic field around the acupuncture points than in the surrounding skin.

Current theory: Research has found that needle insertion activates pain fibers in the skin. These pain fibers trigger a cascade of chemical messengers, while sending signals to the spinal cord which relays information to the brain stem.

Acupuncture can be seen as a bridge that is able to affect and integrate different systems of the body, such as the nervous, endocrine, circulatory, muscular and digestive. Because of these broad effects, acupuncture can create profound changes in the body.

V0018499 Acupuncture chart with a series of points indicated on the Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images images@wellcome.ac.uk http://wellcomeimages.org Acupuncture chart - standing man facing right with acupuncture points.

Currently, I am registered and ACC certified with the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists.

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