The Science of Acupuncture in California: Why Does it Work?

This article endeavors to convince the skeptic that acupuncture treatment does indeed work, based on the scientifically obtained data on its physiological effects on the brain.

So, scientific studies show that acupuncture treatment is effective in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, managing pain and a suite of other benefits.  The data shows that acupuncture is effective. But, still you are left wondering: WHY does it work? What is the scientific basis for its effectiveness? Why does sticking a needle willy-nilly into your flesh have such a beneficial physical effect on the rest of your body and general well-being? 

Fairly recently, scientists have taken an interest in some of the age old alternative treatments and medicines of the world. The West has come to realize that there is much to be learned from disciplines such as acupuncture and that they may in fact benefit modern medicine tremendously. So what have we skeptics learned about the practice of acupuncture in California? Apparently quite a bit! Acupuncture treatment is now widely accepted as a viable treatment and is even encouraged by many medical practitioners and institutions, such as the World Health Organization.

Acupuncture in California: Placebo or physiological?

Acupuncture is commonly used as an adjunctive treatment for pain relief and the positive effect of such have been proven by clinical trials. But is this relief due to the “placebo effect” or a physiological one? Studies have been carried out on other mammals and the results attained have been very similar, which indicates that the benefits of acupuncture are not placebo, but do in fact have a fundamental physiological cause.

What is known is that acupuncture results in the release of certain chemicals in the brain that have all manner of positive effects on the body – but what physiological pathways cause this is not fully

understood yet. Is it due to the stimulation of the muscle and skin nerve fibers or the fear and anticipation of the needle? Or is it due to tapping into the mystical meridians of Qi running through our bodies, so as to correctly balance our natural energies?

The Basic Science Behind Acupuncture Treatment

Opioids and endorphins are chemicals that are released in the brain when it receives the correct signals. They help to relieve pain and produce a sense of happiness and wellbeing. This is the same effect you would experience after a good session at the gym. Likewise, acupuncture stimulates the nerve bundles in your body tissues and muscles so that the brain is stimulated to release these chemicals. So, the effect is the same as exercise in terms of the release of chemicals it encourages.

Another way in which acupuncture has such a positive and cleansing effect is that the insertion of a needle into muscles induces a particular movement in the muscle and underlying connective tissue. This increases blood flow to the region, which helps to remove accumulations of toxins and soothe inflammation.

A Final Note on Acupuncture in California

Research into acupuncture treatment is in its infancy – probably because it has previously not been given the respectful attention it deserves from the scientific community due to western skepticism. However, so far, the results are more than just promising. The WHO has officially recognized acupuncture to be effective in the treatment of hundreds of different maladies, conditions and symptoms!

Whatever the physiological route, the destination is the same: better health. And this is confirmed by a vast amount of scientifically obtained data. Why don’t you be your own empirical scientist and go ahead and try out acupuncture in California? You have nothing to lose. Acupuncture treatment is extremely safe and it offers a suite of proven positive benefits.