The 1997 National Institute of Health Consensus on Acupuncture reports that "studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses, mediated  mainly by sensory neurons, to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways, affecting various physiological systems in the brain, as well as in the periphery.

 

The NIH also suggests that acupuncture "may activate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally, have been documented. There is also evidence of alterations in immune functions produced by acupuncture."

 

1. Neurotransmitter Theory- Acupuncture affects higher brain areas, stimulating the secretion of beta-endorphins and enkephalins in the brain and spinal cord. The release of neurotransmitters influences the immune system.

 

2. Autonomic Nervous System Theory- Acupuncture stimulates the release of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and several types of opioids, affecting changes in their turnover rate, normalizing the autonomic nervous system, and reducing pain.

 

3. Blood Chemistry Theory- Acupuncture affects the blood concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids, suggesting that acupuncture can both raise and diminish peripheral blood componets, thereby regulating the body toward homeostasis.

 

 

A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, found acupuncture improves pregnancy success rates by 50% in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization.

 

Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia -

A study conducted by the University of Washington and the Center for Health Studies at Group Health Hospital suggests that more than half of all participants had clinically meaningful improvemants in pain (46%). Curr Pain Headache Rep., 2002 Oct.;(5):379-83.

 

Patients treated with acupuncture had an overall decrease in the level of systolic pressure during and after treatment. J Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2003 Mar.;23(1):49-0.

  

Patients who received acupuncture to treat chronic headaches, particularly migraines, experienced the equivalent of 22 fewer days of headaches per year, used 15% less medication, and missed 15% fewer days of work. Vickers AJ, et al. BMJ, 2004 Mar.27;328(7442).

 

All subjects receiving acupuncture for major depression significantly improved to a greater extent than those not receiving treatment. J Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2004 Sep.;24(3):172-6.

 

Acupuncture had an extensive action against type I allergic reaction, and the curative effect of the patients receiving acupuncture was higher than in the desensitization group in allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic uticaria. J Traditional Chinese Medicine , 1993 Dec.;13(4):243-8. 

 

Acupuncture and Morning Sickness-

Acupuncture administered to pregnant women before opiood pre medication significantly reduced postoperative sickness up to 6-8 hours, and acupressure applied to specific points reduced morning sickness. In the 2002 issue of the Journal of Birth, a study found that acupuncture is an effective treatment option for women experiencing nausea and other pregnancy related discomfort-without adverse side effects. Acu. and Electro-Therapeutics research, 1990;15(3-4):211-5.

 

Symptoms of bronchial asthma were markedly improved after acupuncture treatments, and the dosage of patient's medication was gradually reduced. Another study suggests improvement of the quality of life for patients with clinically stable, chronic obstructive asthma when conventional care is comvined with acupuncture. J. Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1998 Mar.;18(1)27-0.

 

A randomized, controlled trial conducted by the University of Maryland School of Medicine suggests that acupuncture can provide effective pain relief and improve function for osteoarthritis of the knee. Annals of Internal Medicine, Dec.21,2004;141(12)901-910.

 

In 1997, the National Institute of Health issued a consensus report that suggested acupuncture is effective in the treatmentof menstrual cramps, and other symptoms associated with PMS. Acupuncture can address symptoms naturally, without medication, by restoring balance and harmony, both physically and emotionally.