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Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture originated in traditional Chinese medicine and is now widely used in the Western world.
The treatment involves inserting needles into the skin at special points, called acupoints, which follow so-called meridians.
Recent research shows that the Fascia lines used in treatment almost perfectly match the meridians of acupuncture – and that Fascia treatment is a modern, effective alternative to acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is considered to restore the balance between Yin and Yang, which in Western medicine is understood as the balance between parasympathetic and sympathetic activity in the nervous system. Opinions on acupuncture in Western medicine have been divided, with no explanation or evidence of how it works. With new technology, several studies have now shown that acupuncture works via the flow of fascia and that meridians exist as ‘highways’.
Acupuncture has its roots in ancient Eastern medicine dating back thousands of years and is a treatment that involves inserting needles into the skin at specific points, known as acupoints. The acupoints are located at specific points along the meridians, where the life energy Qi flows. By placing a needle in a specific acupoint and rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise, you can stimulate the energy flow to increase or decrease. Stimulating an acupoint sends energy to a receiving organ. The treatment aims to restore the balance between Yin and Yang, stimulating the body to heal itself.
There are 12 paired main meridians symmetrically on each half of the body (right/left), plus two single ones, one in the middle of the dorsal line and one in the middle of the abdominal line. The two odd ones extend between the mouth (upper and lower lip) and the perineum. Each meridian is associated with an organ or function. Of the 12 main meridians, six are Yin meridians and six are Yang meridians and their flow should be in balance in a healthy body.
Acupuncture how does it work?
When treating a pain condition, needles are often inserted close to the pain, but they can also be inserted far away. The acupuncturist often inserts five to twelve needles depending on what is being treated. The needles are left in place for 20-30 minutes, and the acupuncturist will occasionally spin and feel the needles. It can feel tender and tingly, hot or cold when the needles are spun. It usually takes several frequent treatments, at least five treatments in total, before you feel any effect. Treatment two to three times a week is normal.
The mechanism behind how acupuncture works has long been a mystery. Until just a few years ago, there was no clear evidence or biological explanation. Now there are research studies that have shown how the flow moves more from an acupoint in special “highways” in the fascia. Previous studies have also shown that when the needle is rotated in the acupoint, there is a connection between the fascia’s collagen fibers and the needle, which causes the needle to pull the fibers, which in turn pulls the cells, which gives signals that affect chemistry and flow in the fascia. The body’s balance of energy in that specific organ is restored and helps self-healing. See science.
What does acupuncture treat
In healthcare today, acupuncture is still seen as an alternative pain relief treatment. Eastern and Chinese medicine take a more holistic approach. A sick body has an imbalance in Qi, life energy, and they try to correct this so that the body can heal itself. Many different problems are treated in this way with acupuncture.
Examples of problems, in addition to pain problems, that can be treated are: gastrointestinal problems, sleep problems, hormonal problems such as menstrual and menopausal problems, stress, skin problems such as eczema and acne, asthma and various allergies, various types of headaches.
What is the effect of acupuncture?
When you treat with acupuncture by inserting a needle into an acupoint, you affect the flow that flows from the point to a given organ. You either want to increase the energy of the flow or decrease it, depending on the energy you find in the meridian and the point. You regain balance in the body and give the body the conditions to heal itself.
Can you get side effects from acupuncture?
Depending on your sensitivity, you may experience some bruising from the needles, but this usually disappears after a few days. In rare cases, an allergic reaction to the needles can be triggered by nickel or chromium allergy. More serious side effects are uncommon. If you have a tattoo, the needles should not be inserted into a tattoo, which can complicate and prevent treatment. Pigments from the tattoo can be introduced deeper into the tissue, which is inappropriate.
Can you get worse pain after acupuncture?
As with all manual treatments, you may experience worse pain and discomfort the next day, sometimes several days after treatment. This is a sign that things are happening in the body and that a new balance is being established. It’s a bit like exercise pain. After a few days, the pain usually subsides and you should start to feel better.
Acupuncture Science
Until just a few years ago, there was no clear evidence of how acupuncture works, which Western medicine requires to fully recognize it. It has not had the technology to study flows and the biological connections, nor has it understood the wholeness and complexity that is now beginning to emerge with the increased understanding of fascial function. What Chinese medicine has known for millennia has been a fuzzy quasi-science to the West.
Now there are research studies where new advanced imaging technology and staining have been able to show how the flow moves more from an acupoint in special “highways” in the fascia. Previous studies have also shown that when the needle is rotated in the acupoint, there is a connection between the fascia’s collagen fibers and the needle, which causes the needle to pull the fibers, which in turn pull the cells, which change shape. As the cell changes shape, the cytoskeleton pulls and affects the nucleus, which controls the cell’s production of various substances that provide signals that affect the composition and thus the properties and flow of the fascia. This is called mechanotransduction, which occurs at different intensities even during movement of the fascia (body).
Does Acupuncture Treat Fascia?
Yes, the composition and therefore the properties of the fascia are directly influenced by what is happening around it. Acupuncture mechanically pulls collagen fibers which stimulates cascades of reactions. See above.
Fascia Treatment – When Acupuncture Doesn’t Help?
Not all problems can be solved with acupuncture, or anything else. The body is complex and there can be many factors at fault, especially diet, nutrition and lifestyle.
When pain issues or problems with posture and body balance are not resolved with acupuncture, fascia treatment at Fascia Clinics can be a more effective solution. A thorough analysis of posture is carried out and the pelvis is corrected to even out the load on joints and soft tissues.
