Acupuncture is a Proven and Effective adjunct treatment along with Western Bio Medicine. Hundreds of RCTs - Controlled clinical trials and hundreds of rigorous publications in western journals have revealed the scientific and causal mechanism for many of the acupuncture effects such as – release of Endorphins, Serotonin, Cortisol – a blitz of neuro-chemical cascade.

The World Health Organization (WHO), National Institute of Health (NIH) US, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Health Service (NHS) UK have conclusive proof that acupuncture works and is a great adjunct therapy to western Bio-medicine in some areas of treatment.

US NIH Consensus Conference found that in conditions such as of chronic pain, asthma, stroke, nausea, drug dependence, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascialpain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative.

Acupuncture works by neuroanatomical mechanism. Acupuncture Analgesia (AA) is by stimulation of small diameter nerves ( PANs - Peripheral Afferent Nerves/ Nociceptors) which send impulses via spinal chord to the midbrain and pituitary. This triggers the release of endorphins and monoamines which block pain message. It acts on the HPA axis (Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal) resulting in multiple neuro-chemical release and thus produces astounding results in treating a wide range of ailments - according to Dr. Joesph Audette MD of Harvard Medical School and Dr. Willard PhD of New England College US.

Acupuncturists look at Fascia as a MOBIUS STRIP in the body. A complex WEB of ligaments, fibroelastic connecting tissues, tendons, peritonea and pleura, periosteum and dura, interdigitate that connects and envelopes the whole body which Holds the body structure - Viscera, Bones, Neural network etc. Thus a disruption in one area can affect not only surrounding structures but also those distal.

Acupuncture adjusts Somatic Dysfunctions - altered or impaired function of related components of the somatic (body framework) system: skeletal, arthrodial and Myofascial structures as well as related vascular, lymphatic and neural elements. The application of TART - Texture, Asymmetry, Range of Motion, Tenderness in palpation is unique to Acupuncture treatments that utilizes the mind-body to find a cure from within.

Science Research findings state:

Acupuncture regulates the secretion of various growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, bFGF, NGF,TGF-beta, IL-6, and the expression of various growth control genes such as c-fos, Bcl, Bax, fas and FasL. Acupuncture regulates apoptosis, regeneration, differentiation and cell proliferation of various tissues. The ‘classic’ neuro-humoral factors induced by acupuncture such as endorphins and serotonin also have growth-control effects according to Dr. Helene Longevin MD.

According to Pomerenz - Acupuncture Points have high electric conductance, high current density and high density of gap junctions. Acupoints can be activated by nonspecific stimuli – causing long lasting systemic effects.

According to German research -

Acupuncture has been used for over 2000 years for a wide variety of complaints with minimal side effects. Based on the experience in Chinese medicine and the anticipated positive effects, acupuncture has been widely accepted in Western medicine as well. Some clinical evidence supports the efficacy of acupuncture treatment, but randomized controlled trials have been conducted for a few of all possible locomotive disorder indications, and the results have been equivocal. ..... One of the outcomes on which consensus appears to exist is that 10-20 sessions are generally necessary, and that initial improvement can be expected to occur by the 10th treatment. Rigorous trials should be conducted to improve clinical validity and provide scientific proof of the efficacy of acupuncture. Clinical trials like the German Acupuncture Trials (GERAC), funded by the German health insurance companies, have been launched with the aim of furthering knowledge in this area.

PMID: 11956897 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Schmerz. 2002 Apr;16(2):121-8.
[Acupuncture in the treatment of locomotive disorders - status of research and situation regarding clinical application]

Molsberger A, Böwing G, Haake M, Meier U, Winkler J, Molsberger F.

Forschungsgruppe Akupunktur und traditionelle chinesische Medizin, Düsseldorf, Germany.

[Article in German] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11956897


Randoph M. Nesse, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry, Director, ISR Evolution and Human Adaptation Program, The University of Michigan - says " I am open-minded about acupuncture, but I would rather put my faith in an explanation based on nerve impulses than mysterious energy flows that have never been demonstrated to have physical reality" ( http://www.edge.org/documents/archive/edge64.html)


So even skeptics agree that Acupuncture works!