Gate Control Theory: According to this theory all pain impulse are controlled , modulated and modified by a functional gate, located in substantia gelatinosa of the spinal cord. Under normal circumstance this gate is open allowing impulse an easy passage. The pain impulse comes to the spinal cord via posterior nerve root. Beyond this gate the pain impulse crosses the other side of the spinal cord following the path up the spinothalamic tract to the thalamus and to the cerebral cortex. This is how the patient feels the pain. The whole process is almost instatenous as the pain impulse travels at the rate of one meter per second.
After insertion of acupuncture needle a secondary stream of sensory impulses is generated. This impulse are non painful in character and travel along the large diameter fibers at much faster speed of about 120 meters per second. The two stream of impulse appear simultaneously at the functional gate giving rise to confusion and crowding hence pain is not felt. The immediate reaction is closure of gate causing an elevation in pain threshold so no pain is felt.
Endorphin Release Theory: Analgesic effect of acupuncture is due to the release of hormone called endorphin after needling. Endorphin is a naturally acting neuropeptide and like morphine has a tendency of binding on to the opiate receptors of pain cells.
Traditional Chinese Theory: Ancient Chinese had no knowledge of the nervous system, nor did they know of endorphin or prostaglandin. According to them mechanism of acupuncture depended upon five element , organ clock and pulse diagnosis. They believed as long as flow of energy is free and yin and yang are balanced, the person is healthy, obstruction to the flow of energy results in disease, and by inserting a needle at a particular predetermined points correct all irregularities. They used to take pulse of a patient from which they could judge the energy imbalance which they use to correct with the help of organ clock, five elements theory.
There are no negative side effects of acupuncture but the positive side effect is increase of sleep, improvement of skin and hair texture, increased vitality etc.
One sitting of acupuncture session takes 20-30 minutes. The duration of the treatment depends on the history, chronic or acute ailment and how the person’s body accepts the treatment. The result of treatment can be seen as quickly as in 20 minutes.
.jpg "What are the precautions while taking Acupuncture?")
Acupuncture has Hypoglycaemic effect and hence never take acupuncture treatment on empty stomach.
Always use disposable needles or separate set for each patient.
Do not cross hands & legs while taking treatment as it creates blockages in the flow of energies.
Analgesia:It will increase the pain threshold of the patient. Sedation:Needles increase the dopamine content of the brain their by producing the sedation effect which can be proved by taking ECG before and after the treatment. Homeostasis:Maintenance of the internal environment of the body in the state of equilibrium is known as homeostasis. That is balanced activities of the sympathetic and parasympathetic division of the autonomous nervous system is homeostasis. Immune mechanism:Body resistance to disease is strengthened. Psychological effect:Acupuncture has effect on metabolic chemistry and electrical activities of the brain
Acupuncture sensation is called deqi. When the needle is inserted into the body there is a slight pain. In addition to pain there are 4 types of sensation –
Acupuncture is a form of treatment that involves stimulation by insertion of very thin needles through a person's skin at specific points on the body, to various depths. Acupuncture treatment/therapy is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is the oldest established medical system in the world.
Contrary to popular Western belief, acupuncture is not just a system for inserting very fine needles into specific body locations to alleviate pain. Acupuncture is a complete protocol focused on correcting imbalances of energy in the body. Acupuncture needles are hair thin, solid, sterile, used once only and discarded. Approximately fifteen acupuncture needles can fit into a hollow hypodermic needle used for injections. Acupuncture needles vary in size depending on the condition treated. If you are scared of Acupuncture needles! You may choose alternative acupuncture techniques. However, you will have the opportunity to see the needles and try a demonstration first if you desire. Some non-needle therapies include moxibustion, cupping, Acupressure and the use of magnets. Research published in the May 30, 2010 online edition of Nature Neuroscience demonstrated that the effects of acupuncture needling include influencing the activity of adenosine, an amino acid which becomes active in the skin after an injury to ease pain. This may explain in part why pain relief is often experienced as one of the benefits of acupuncture. Acupuncture achieves the desired results by stimulating specific points near or on the surface of the skin – acupuncture points have the ability to alter biochemical and physiological conditions in the body. Acupuncture points are designated areas of electrical sensitivity, inserting needles at these points stimulates sensory receptors. This in turn stimulates nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing hormones (thought to be some 200 times more potent than morphine). Endorphins play a significant role in the hormonal system, which is why acupuncture is effective in treating many ailments like back pain, arthritis, PMS [pre menstrual syndrome], infertility etc. The substances released as a result of acupuncture, relax the body and also regulate serotonin in the brain, which affects emotional states. Other physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count, which supports the immune system. Many people use acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution or because they just feel generally unwell. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly. Acupuncture is an easy going treatment and can be combined with any other mode of treatments. This creates a team approach to your healing and looks at health from all perspectives. Acupuncture treatment may enable to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but patient should always consult their respective doctor’s regarding any change of prescription. We do not expect any of our patients to withdraw their regular medicines immediately without proper guidance. The most common ailments presented to acupuncturists in India are pain-related conditions. However, as the public becomes more educated about acupuncture, people are seeking help for a number of other conditions, with good results. These include: Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders: Sinusitis, sore throat, hay fever, earache, deafness, ringing in the ears, dizziness, poor eyesight Circulatory Disorders: High blood pressure, angina pectoris, anemia Gastrointestinal Disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), spastic colon, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, ulcers, gastritis, abdominal bloating, hemorrhoids Gynecological and Genitourinary Disorders: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS); irregular, heavy or painful menstruation; endometriosis; menopause; fibroids; chronic bladder infection; complications in pregnancy; morning sickness; impotence; infertility (men and women); sexual dysfunction Immune Disorders: Chronic fatigue, allergies, Multiple sclerosis (MS), hepatitis Emotional and Psychological Disorders: Anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders: Arthritis, sciatica, back pain, tendonitis, stiff neck, Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, headaches and migraines, stroke, cerebral palsy, sprains, muscle spasms Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, bronchitis, colds & flu Most of the above said ailments will be discussed in our upcoming editions. However, if you need any clarification about any of the health conditions, you can contact on 9009953331, 9713663282 . You can also whatsapp your questions on the same numbers with your personal details. Appropriate questions will be selected and answered in possible ways.