Acupuncture
Introduction
Acupuncture originated in China approx. 5,000 years ago. Today, in the U.S., an estimated one-third of all certified acupuncturists are medical doctors. In Canada, the total number of acupuncturists is approximately 2000.
Theory
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that there are more than 2000 acupuncture points on the human body which are connected by energy pathways, called meridians. These meridians conduct energy, or 'Qi', throughout the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance the flow of qi, thus helping the body to achieve and maintain health.
Mechanism of Action
According to the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, there are three mechanisms to explain the effect of acupuncture:
- Conduction of electromagnetic signals which speed up the release of endorphins and promote activation of the immune system
- Launching of opioid systems in the brain
- Changes in brain chemistry through release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones
