Benefits of Acupuncture
A research from the Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation revealed that acupuncture “retune body processes toward normal with minute electromagnetic (EM) flows” a proving that they claim “explain the need for several treatments, as healing of the body by itself is directed with delicate nudges.”
Acupuncture enhances the regulation of neurotransmitters (or their modulates) and hormones such as serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, GABA, neuropeptide Y and ACTH; hense alternating the brain’s mood chemistry to help combat negative affective states (Cheng, 2009; Zhou, 2008).
Acupuncture has been shown to reverse stress-induced changes in behavior and biochemistry (Kim, 2009).
Acupuncture has been shown to reduce oxidative stress that can contribute to the exacerbation of vascular dementia (VD) (Du et al., 2018).
Acupuncture was found as a safe and effective treatment for primary insomnia (Yin et al., 2017).
Acupuncture has been shown to act on areas of the brain known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the ‘analytical’ brain, which is responsible for anxiety and worry (Hui, 2010; Hui, 2009).
Acupuncture has been sown to reduce inflammation by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors (Kavoussi, 2007; Zijlstra, 2003).
Acupuncture has been associated with increasing levels of T lymphocyte subsets such as CD(3), CD(4), and CD(8) as well as Natural Killer cells (Zhao, 2010).
Acupuncture is associated with increasing the release of adenosine, which has antinociceptive properties (Goldman, 2010).
Acupuncture can reduce muscle stiffness and increase joint mobility by increasing local microcirculation (Komori, 2009), which aids dispersal of swelling.
Acupuncture can stimulate the production of endogenous opioids that affect the autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reduced stress (Arranz, 2007).
Acupuncture can relieve nausea and vomiting via the central opioid pathways (Tatewaki, 2005).
Acupuncture was found to regulate gastric myoelectrical activity and the vestibular activities in the cerebellum (Streitberger, 2006).
Acupuncture can modulate the actions of the vagus nerve and autonomic nervous system (Huang, 2005).
Acupuncture may also be able to enhance the levels of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and calcitonin gene-related peptides (O’Sullivan, 2010), which may relieve xerostomia and hot flashes.
A qualitative study found that patients with medically unexplained symptoms appreciated acupuncture treatments for the quality of care they felt they received as well as increased mental energy, relaxation, physical, psychological and social benefits (Rugg et al., 2001).