All About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe and non-invasive medical treatment that originated in ancient China. The Chinese believe that there is an energy flow (called Qi) just below the surface of the skin that connects the skin to the internal organs.This energy flows through the body along pathways called meridians and communicates to the internal organs at specific points where the meridians come closest to the surface of the skin. These points are called acupuncture points and are located in little depressions in the skin. |
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The theory is that in order for the body to maintain health the energy must flow smoothly. Blockages in the energy can cause pain, illness, and disease. By stimulating one or a combination of the acupuncture points (in this case with needles) the energy flow is restored to balance and flows smoothly again allowing the body to heal. By contrast many Western practitioners believe that stimulating specific acupuncture points increases blood flow to the area and increases the release of the body's natural painkillers. |
The physiology of acupuncture shows that diseased tissue becomes resistant to the normal flow of electricity and ion exchange, resulting in a diminishment of cellular function. When this happens, nutrients are not absorbed into the cells as efficiently and there is a decrease in cellular waste product metabolism, allowing toxins to build up. Since electricity flowing through the body will flow around rather than through damaged tissue, healing is disrupted. |
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Applying acupuncture needles to the correct acupuncture points forces the current through the damaged area resulting in the restoration of cellular respiration, regeneration, and replacement of damaged cells. Acupuncture also releases neurotransmitters known as endorphins into the blood, which aid the transmission of signals from the body to the central nervous system producing a feeling of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. |
These thermo images of a human knee were taken before acupuncture needles were placed and at five minute intervals after needles were placed, providing an objective record of the results of the treatment. Over the thirty minute period the images were taken there is a notable change in temperature in the medial left leg due to the acupuncture treatment.The entire area of the knee is shown to cool but the localized inflammation in the medial knee changes and reduces at a far greater rate. The last image taken after the needles were removed shows the knee in stabilized condition. |
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To learn more about the acupuncture service we offer at Tails of Rye please click on this link.