Medical acupuncture or dry needling is the use of hair fine needles to stimulate certain points on the body. This aims to reduce certain troublesome symptoms and to increase symptoms of a health and well-being.
The traditional Chinese theory behind acupuncture as medical treatment is very different from that of Western medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, imbalances in the basic energetic flow of life – known as qi or chi (chee) – are thought to cause illness.
Medical acupuncture or dry needling is the Western theory behind acupuncture. Western acupuncture incorporates modern concepts of neuroscience and researchers at the National Institute of Health are studying at least three possible explanations for how acupuncture works Opioid release.
During acupuncture, endorphins that are part of your body’s natural pain-control system may be released into your central nervous system – your brain and spinal cord. This reduces pain much like taking a pain medication.
Spinal cord stimulation. Acupuncture may stimulate the nerves in your spinal cord to release pain-suppressing neurotransmitters. This has sometimes been called the “gate theory.”
Blood flow changes. Acupuncture needles may increase the amount of blood flow in the area around the needle. The increased blood flow may supply additional nutrients or remove toxic substances, or both, promoting healing.
If you would like to discuss whether acupuncture is a suitable treatment for your symptoms please feel free to get in touch with Chloe.
