Why does Acupuncture work?
Because Tradition Chinese Medicine been around for so long, it is truly a time tested medicine, the question that many asks is not Does it work? Rather, Why does it work?
Western Medical Community came up with five theories in which to explain why acupuncture works, these theories are based upon studies performed before and after acupuncture, using blood draws to measure the biomedical changes in the body.
Theory #1 is the Augmentation Theory, it states that acupuncture raises levels of triglycerides, specific hormones, prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall anti-body levels. This is the reason why acupuncture can treat disorders relating to immune deficiencies.
Theory #2 is the Endorphin Theory, it states that acupuncture stimulates the secretions of endorphins in the body (specifically Enkephalins). Endorphins are our body's natural pain killers. They are 10 times stronger than morphine.
Theory #3 is the Neurotransmitter Theory, it states that certain neurotransmitter levels (such as Seratonin and Noradrenaline) are affected by Acupuncture. This is why acupuncture is so successful with depression and mood disorders. This is also why epeopel feel so amazing after a treatment.
Theory #4 is the Circulatory Theory, it states that Acupuncture has the effect of constricting or dilating blood vessles. This may be caused by the body's release of Vasodilaters (such as Histamine), in response to Acupuncture.
Theory #5 is the Gate Control Theory, this is above all the most popular theory among western scientists. According to this theory, pain signals must pass through a number of high-traffic 'gates' as they moved from the area of injury upward through the spinal cord into the brain. like a road or highway, these nerves can handle only a limited number of nerve signals at one time. Acupuncture generates competing stimulus and effectively interrupts the neurotransmission of the pain signals from reaching the brain. The result: we never 'experience the pain'.
Of course, this is the theory that the western medicine community came up with to explain why acupuncture works, Chinese medicine doctors are taugh a complete different way to diagnose and treat your problems.