Acupuncture, a practice developed by the Chinese over 3000 years ago, has long been surrounded by explanations based on traditional Chinese medicine. While these explanations remain central to Chinese culture, the Western world has also uncovered significant scientific evidence supporting acupuncture’s positive effects. In disciplines such as Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Osteopathy, and Sports Therapy, acupuncture is frequently used alongside other therapeutic modalities to enhance rehabilitation and recovery.
How Does Acupuncture Work? A Physiological Explanation
From a physiological standpoint, acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body. When an acupuncture needle is inserted, it triggers nerve endings in the skin and underlying tissues, signalling to the body that something has been "invaded." In response, the body releases a chemical called histamine at the site of the needle insertion. Histamine’s primary role is to vasodilate—opening up the blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the area. This process not only improves circulation but also activates the body’s natural healing processes.
Simultaneously, inflammatory markers are released. This is akin to waving a flag that signals the body: "We need help here!" In response to this signal, the body’s defence system, specifically the white blood cells, are drawn to the site of injury. These white blood cells, initially confused by the presence of the sterile acupuncture needle, redirect their attention to the surrounding tissue that may be injured or inflamed.
White blood cells are essential in clearing away damaged or dead cells. They do this by engulfing and digesting the debris, which helps the body recover and repair. Once the damaged cells are broken down, new signals are sent out, prompting collagen fibres to gather in the area. Collagen is a key component of tissue repair, and these fibres help rebuild the damaged tissues, ultimately restoring function and reducing pain.
Thus, acupuncture can serve as a powerful tool in stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. By promoting increased blood flow, attracting white blood cells, and supporting the repair of damaged tissues, acupuncture enhances recovery and can be an invaluable part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
How Does Acupuncture Work? A Pain killing effect
Acupuncture helps to reduce pain by stimulating the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms. When acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body, they trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. These chemicals bind to receptors in the brain and nervous system, helping to block pain signals and improve the overall feeling of well-being. Additionally, acupuncture increases blood flow to the affected areas, promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation. By activating these physiological responses, acupuncture can effectively decrease pain, improve mobility, and support the body in its healing process.
How Does Acupuncture Work? A muscle reaxing effect
Acupuncture can affect muscle tone by influencing the motor end plates, which are the junctions where nerve signals are transmitted to muscles. When an acupuncture needle is inserted into a specific acupuncture point, it can stimulate the nerves in the area, causing a response at the motor end plates. This interaction can lead to changes in muscle tone by either increasing or decreasing muscle contraction.
In cases of muscle hypertonicity (when muscles are overly tight or contracted), acupuncture can help to relax the muscle by affecting the motor end plates and modulating the nerve signals. The acupuncture needles help to reset the balance of neurotransmitters at the motor end plate, leading to a reduction in excessive muscle contraction. By stimulating the sensory nerves, acupuncture can also trigger the release of chemicals like endorphins, which further help to relax the muscle and alleviate pain.
Conversely, in cases of muscle weakness or hypotonicity (when muscles are too relaxed or lack tone), acupuncture may help to stimulate muscle contraction by influencing the motor end plates, encouraging a better muscle response to nerve impulses.
In this way, acupuncture works to balance muscle tone, promoting relaxation in overactive muscles and stimulating activity in under-active ones, helping to restore normal muscle function and alleviate associated pain or stiffness.
If you're curious about whether acupuncture could benefit your rehabilitation journey, our experienced team can help guide you through how it might work for you. Feel free to reach out to book an appointment and explore how this time-tested treatment can aid in your recovery.
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