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How Acupunture Works How does acupuncture work in scientific terms? Scientists are not 100% sure how acupuncture works, but here are some of the current known theories: 1. Acupuncture raises levels of specific hormones, prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall anti-body levels. This is called the “Augmentation of Immunity” Theory. 2. The “Endorphin” Theory states that Acupuncture stimulates the secretion of the body's own painkillers called endorphins (specifically Enkaphalins). 3. The “Neurotransmitter” Theory states that certain neurotransmitter levels (such as Serotonin and Noradrenalin) are activated by needle stimulation. 4. “Circulatory” Theory: states that Acupuncture has the effect of constricting or dilating blood vessels. This may be caused by the body's release of Vasodilators (such as Histamine). 5. The “Gate Control” Theory states that the perception of pain is controlled by a part of the nervous system, which regulates the impulse, which will later be interpreted as pain. This part of the nervous system is called the “Gate.” If the gate is hit with too many impulses, it becomes overwhelmed, and it closes. This prevents some of the impulses from getting through. The first gates to close would be the ones that are the smallest. The nerve fibers that carry the impulses of pain are rather small nerve fibers called “C” fibers. These are the gates that close during Acupuncture. In the related “Motor Gate” acupuncture theory, some forms of paralysis can be overcome by reopening a “stuck” gate, which is connected to an Anterior Horn cell. The gate, when closed by a disease, stops motor impulses from reaching muscles. Professor Jayasuriya first stated this theory in 1977. |