More Acupuncture Mechanics
Ancient Chinese acupuncture maps reveal a unique system of specialized points running along channels that feed energy to the organs of the body. Acupuncturists refer to these channels as meridians. Acupuncture treatments involve the careful insertion of extremely fine, disposable needles into locations on the skin known as these "acupuncture points" in order to promote healing.
It is essential for the health and well-being of the organism that there be sufficient Qi, or energy, in these circuits and that they be balanced with respect to one another. An imbalance in the flow of Qi causes a shift in the equilibrium of the organism. This in turn can crystallize into patterns of disharmony and illness in the physical body and lead to organ pathology. In acupuncture, the meridians are responsible for distributing the subtly magnetic energies of Qi which can provide sustenance and organization for the physical-cellular structure of each organ system.
Acupuncture points along the superficial meridians in the skin demonstrate unique electrical properties which distinguish them from the surrounding epidermis. When skin cells are pierced, they begin to leak electrically charged ions into surrounding tissues so a weak electrical battery like effect is created. We call this weak electrical current the current of injury and this current injury in turn is known to stimulate the healing response from nearby cells. The electrical parameters of the acupuncture point vary according of physiological and emotional changes within the organism.
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Disease states produce characteristics disturbances in the electrical potentials of the acupoints along particular meridians. Strong correlations between meridians that are electrically out of balance and the presence of underlying disease in the associated organ systems. While earlier theories focused on the action of Acupuncture on nerves, research on acupuncture mechanism in the 1980's began to focus more upon hormones and neurochemical changes triggered by needling stimulation. Further research showed however that while the endorphin release caused by traditional acupuncture needle stimulation is in indeed an important mechanism behind acupuncture's pain-relieving effects, it is still not the final endpoint in a treatment and only an intermediary event along a complex transmission pathway.