Acupuncture

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is a therapy that uses natural laws and energetics with the application of needles and pressure to specific points on the body. Acupuncture is based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced flow of qi (also referred to as chi), the vital life energy present in all living organisms. According to acupuncture theory, qi circulates in the body along twelve major energy pathways, called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems.

The "vital energy" in humans is believed to flow along meridians that have their root in the internal organs. On the surface of the twelve main meridian pathways are up to 365 main acupuncture points where needles are inserted to restore the proper balance of energy. The acupoints within the meridian system can be stimulated to enhance the flow of qi. When acupuncture needles are inserted into these acupoints (just under the skin), they help correct and rebalance the flow of energy and consequently relieve pain and/or restore health. These acupoints are grouped along specific pathways or meridians that cross the body. The flow of energy through these pathways helps to maintain good health. When the flow of energy is blocked for any reason, such as injury, strain, improper diet or stress, there is disruption of health, resulting in pain and illness.

By stimulating appropriate acupuncture points along the affected meridians, the energy is released and regulated, and health may be restored.

Acupuncture can play a vital role as an adjunctive therapy due to how effective the meridian system is as a means of proper diagnosis. Because the meridians influence every cell in the body and pass through every organ and organ system, acupuncture provides health practitioners with an accurate means of determining health deficiencies, as well as a method of reestablishing balance.

According to modern research, studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system. Experience shows it can be particularly effective in pain control. Among a host of factors, acupuncture affects the following:

• sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood
• the functioning of the gastrointestinal system
• the activity of the endocrine system.

Acupuncture works with the body, harmonizing and balancing energy. It helps in the following ways:

• improves circulation
• releases endorphins to control pain
• allows the body to heal more quickly and more completely.

The following theories give further explanation to how acupuncture affects the body:

1. Conduction of electromagnetic signals: Evidence suggests that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating these points enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at greater-than-normal rates. These signals may start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as endorphins, or release immune system cells to specific body sites.
2. Activation of the body's natural opiod system: Considerable research supports the claim that acupuncture releases opiods, synthetic or naturally-occurring chemicals in the brain that may reduce pain or induce sleep. These chemicals may explain acupuncture's pain-relieving effects.
3. Stimulation of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland: Joined at the base of the brain, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands are responsible for many body functions. The hypothalamus activates and controls part of the nervous system, the endocrine processes, and many bodily functions, such as sleep, regulation of temperature, and appetite. The pituitary gland supplies some of the body's needed hormones. Stimulation of these glands can result in a broad spectrum of effects on various body systems.
4. Change in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones: Studies suggest that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry in a positive way. This is accomplished by changing the release of neurotransmitters (biochemical substances that stimulate or inhibit nerve impulses) and neurohormones (naturally-occurring chemical substances that can change the structure or function, or impact the activity of, a body organ).

What Should You Expect During Treatment?

You first get diagnosed based on examination data we obtain from you and then get treated.

During the examination, an important method of diagnosis we use involves analyzing the pulses of a patient. Six pulses are felt on each wrist, corresponding to the major body organs and functions. Each pulse is located at a specific position on the wrists, and each one is believed to tell the exact state of the different organs or functions. Other diagnostic methods include questioning the patient regarding symptoms and living habits, your sleep, emotional state, digestion, urination, menstruation, sweating, family history, etc; careful observation of the patients tongue, facial and body coloring as well as observation of skin texture and temperature distribution on different body areas.

We utilize all your information to make diagnosis based on Chinese Medicine theories of Yin Yangmeridians and collaterals, internal organs, etiology and pathology.

During treatment, selected points are cleaned with alcohol cotton, and sterilized disposable needles are inserted along the appropriate meridians. Acupuncture needles are of different lengths and gauges, but are generally hair-thin, solid, and made of stainless steel. The part of the body into which the needles are put will often appear to bear no relation to the site of disease or symptoms. The depth of the needle insertion varies, depending on the points being used. Most needles are inserted just below the skin's surface, but some may go from a depth of a quarter inch to as much as three inches. In most cases the needle insertion can hardly be felt by the patient. Usually there is only a brief sensation as the needle is inserted, and it is rarely painful, just slight heaviness or distention. Once the needles are in place and patients do not move the body position, they generally cannot be felt.

Sometimes an electrical current is used to further enhance the stimulation of the acupuncture points. Individual wires are clipped to two or more of the needles. The acupuncturist adjusts electrical current to the level where the patient is able to feel a slight tingling sensation. The needles may also be manipulated manually in twirling or push-pull movements. Moxibustion can also be used in conjunction with acupuncture. It may consist of rolling a ball of dried herb (mugwort) around the needles shaft and lighting it so that the needle is warmed. This has the effect of reinforcing the needles action. Another method is to pass a burning moxa stick back and forth over the appropriate body area just close enough to give a comfortable heat. Moxibustion is generally used only for a few minutes and mostly for certain types of physical disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, infertility, as well as preventing diseases and keeping healthy.

Another technique is Cupping therapy in which a jar is attached to skin surface to cause local congestion through the negative pressure created by manual force or introducing heat in the form of ignited material. The suction caused by cupping on some acupoints can warm and promote the free flow of qi and blood in meridians so as to diminish pain and swelling. The jar can be made of bamboo, ceramic, glass or plastic, and stays on skin for about 10 minutes. For muscular pain or emotional problems like stress or nervousness manual therapy, and therapeutic massage are added to treatment.

The needles typically stay in place for about half an hour. For some conditions, however, they may be in place for only a few minutes or for up to an hour. Afterwards, removes the needles, and swabs the insertion point with clean cotton. We may use one or all the above techniques to restore the free flow of energy in patients to prevent, and or treat illness, or relieve pain.

Many patients find the treatment very relaxing, which brings on a feeling of well-being. Often patients are surprised at how comfortable they are during treatment and how easily the needles are placed. Some people even go to sleep during treatment. A patient may feel a slight sensation upon entry and then pressure or a "dull" or "surging" reaction when the needle reaches the "qi" or correct point.

What Conditions May Benefit from Acupuncture?

Many Americans seek acupuncture treatment for relief of chronic pain, such as arthritis or low back pain. Acupuncture, however, has expanded uses in other areas. The following conditions are common clinical indications for acupuncture treatment.

• Asthma/cough
• AIDS/HIV related conditions
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Back aches
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chronic fatigue
• Chronic pain
• Common cold/flu
• Constipation
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Drug addiction/ Smoking
• Eye diseases
• Gallstone
• Gastritis
• Gynecological disorders
• Headaches(inc. migraines)
• Heart problems/Palpitations
• High blood pressure
• Immune system deficiency
• Impotence
• Indigestion
• Infertility
• Insomnia
• Intestinal problems
• Irregular menses
• Knee problems
• Menopausal syndromes
• Menstrual cramps
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neck pain/Stiffness Neuralgia (Trigeminal or intercostal)
• Nervous system problems
• PMS
• Paralysis/Numbness
• Post-operative pain
• Prostate problems
• Sciatica
• Sexual dysfunction
• Shoulder pain
• Sinus problems
• Skin problems
• Stomach problems
• Stress/Tension
• Stroke
• Tendonitis
• Ulcers
• Urinary tract infections
• Vaginitis
• Vision problems
• Tennis elbow

Dr. Jason Jampol
48 Nesconset Highway
Port Jefferson Station, NY
Phone: (631) 403-4366