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How Exactly Does Acupuncture Treat Pain?

Written by Danielle   
Thursday, 24 April 2008
 
ImageWe asked a member of our trusted network, Steven Collins, LAc , this question, and this is what he had to say:

"The mechanism by which acupuncture relieves pain is not well understood in Western terms. We do know that insertion of the needles in particular acupuncture points causes a release of endorphins (the brain chemicals that block pain) and well as modulates other hormones such as cortisol which is released during stress. However, it is important to note that this is what the needles do, not how they work.

In Chinese terms, often, pain is related to stagnation of some sort in a given channel or meridian and the needles essentially marshal the qi to break through the dam, thereby relieving localized pain.

Finally, remember that the needles are solid and that there is no medication or substance introduced into the body with acupuncture. It is the process itself that works."
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Neil said:

This is a great article. For starters it makes it clear that needles are just way to unclog chi.
 
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June 11, 2008
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