Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2000 years ago, acupuncture became widely known in the United States in 1971 when New York Times reported James Reston wrote about how doctors in Beijing, China used needles to ease his abdominal pain after surgery.
Traditional Chinese Medicine theorizes that more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body connect with 12 major pathways and 8 secondary pathways called meridians. These meridians conduct energy, or qi, between the surface of the body and the internal organs. Qi regulates spiritual, emotional and physical balance.
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord) to release chemicals into the muscles spinal cord and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or release other chemical, such as hormones that influence the body’s self regulating systems. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
There are three main mechanisms:
1. Conduction of electromagnetic signals (tiny electrical impulses that transmit information such as pain through and between nerve cells).
2. Activation of opiod (naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that may reduce pain and induce sleep) systems thereby reducing pain. Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones in good way.
3. Changes in brain chemistry, sensation and involuntary body functions
Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid healing.
Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet). There is a massive amount of scientific data that demonstrates why and how acupuncture is effective. Acupressure, the older of the two traditions, was neglected after the Chinese developed more technological methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity.
Acupressure, however, continues to be the most effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand.
