How does accupuncture work?

Question

Does it really even work?
Is there scientific proof on how this works?

Answer 1

Acupuncture unblocks then maintains the meridians or "energy pathways" in your body. When these pathways get blocked or stagnant that is when you start to encounter problems or symptoms. Western medicine likes to just give you a drug, or band-aid for the symptom - this does not heal the problem, it just masks it. Acupuncture relieves AND corrects the problems.

It does work. I used to be on 3 different medications for depression/anxiety and after a few treatments I do not need any medication anymore. I also feel better and have more energy than I have had in a long time.

Here is just one example of a study showing acupuncture does work:

http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/18/01/21.html

Answer 2

There are two answers to how acupuncture works, the traditional answer and the modern answer.

The traditional answer is that by inserting needles into specific points on the body, we can refocus and unblock the flow of energy or "qi" (often referred to as "chi" in the West). By doing so, we can allow the body to function as it was intended, or divert healing energy toward the areas that need it.

The modern answer is that these points coincide with nerve pathways in the body, which can create sensations in other parts of the body. These can be used to relieve pain, quit smoking, or induce labor. However, there is no scientific consensus on acupuncture; many maintain that it is simply a placebo.

For further discussion of traditional views and scientific testing of acupuncture, please see the Wikipedia article below.

Answer 3

Acupuncture is a form of analgesia. There is no evidence that it is able to do much more than that.
The theory set forth about how it works is a "neural gate". Impulses that are sent up the chain are not forwarded on. It happens with nerve impulses that are in some way contradictory. Touch and pain firing at the same time inhibits the pain from ascending under certain conditions.

Answer 4

nervous systems are basically cells that build to a point then jump. Acupuncture basically interrupts the normal process of nerve response.

I think its still debated, but for the most part acupuncture has established itself as a viable medical treatment. They even use it for giving birth.

Answer 5

It does work. I have bronchial asthma and I see my acupuncturist once a year for 10 sessions and then go whole year without asthma / inhalers/ medications. I would strongly recommend Acupuncture to people seeking non-medication or alternative treatments.

Answer 6

What is Acupressure?
http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn495.html