Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into various parts of the body. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupuncture influences Qi (pronounced “chee”), the energy or life force that flows through the body in a system of channels. Depending on the technique of the acupuncturist, Qi can either be drawn to an area that is deficient or disperse Qi that has become stuck. Areas of the body deficient in Qi will typically be withered, weak, and not functioning optimally, like a muscle that has atrophied. Areas with stuck Qi will typically feel tight, bound up, painful, and be warm to the touch, like a strained muscle.

The location of the points needled in a treatment can vary. Many times points near the tissues or organs in need of help may be needled. For example, with digestive discomfort points on the abdomen may be needled. Points away or distally from the unwell tissues or organs may also be selected. These points will often be selected to influence the Qi further down the channel from the tissue or organ needing help. These points are used to draw the Qi down the channel, like opening a second window to create a current when drawing smoke out of your home.

Additionally, points have been documented to have certain effects. These documented effects can be physical, as in increasing the movement of intestines, or mental-emotional, as in helping one embrace flexibility or joy in a situation. Lastly, in TCM certain parts of the body can be seen as a microsystem of the whole body. Thus, there is a corresponding spot on the smaller part that can affect the corresponding organ or area of the larger whole body. For example, one could needled the Stomach point on the ear to draw the body’s attention to the Stomach.

From a western medicine and science perspective:

From a western perspective acupuncture generates micro traumas in the soft tissues. The body responds by initiating its various ways of repairing and healing. Often times these will include releasing anti-inflammatory molecules, pain relievers, and increasing blood flow. Additionally, soft tissues like muscles, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue like fascia respond to the acupuncture by relaxing. Some studies also show that acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system in various ways, including the releasing of soothing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Inside the brain the activity of various areas is shown to be affected differently depending on where the needles are placed. Areas that were hyperactive can settle down and areas that were hypoactive will be stimulated after the needling of certain acupuncture points. However, the effects of acupuncture for a western scientific perspective is still an ongoing process with various studies being conducted and adding to our knowledge.