Part 9: Mechanical signaling as a mechanism for Acupuncture To date much of the acupuncture mechanism of action has been related to the nervous system, linking it to the medical physiological concept of ‘‘Gate control theory of pain’. Based on this theory acupuncture needling or electrical stimulation is said to activate relevant neural pathways. However …
Part 8: Arrival of Qi (De Qi) The phenomenon of “Arrival of Qi” (De Qi) has been described as a vital part of the effectiveness of an acupuncture treatment. It is described as a sensation of soreness, numbness or a feeling of distension around the point after the needle is inserted to a certain depth. …
Part 7: Do Meridians lines lie in fascia? Fung (2009) hypothesized that TCM meridian system upper boundaries are the skin with dense sensory receptors of various types, while the lower boundaries are another layer of connective tissue with intersititial fluid flowing through. Numerous other studies suggest the most probable location is the fascia just beneath …
Part 6: What are TCM meridians ? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) text Qi flow in a network of meridian channels found all over the body, but despite scientific efforts we have yet to find the modern biomedical equivalent. There are 12 major meridians, supported by 8 extra meridians, 15 collaterals and others. Each …
Part 5: Integrating Western Physiology with Traditional Chinese Medicine Philosophies With its 5,000 year old history Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely recognised for its knowledge and therapeutic approach. Although, still not fully understood there is every reason to be able to impact on the future and development of modern medicine. Admittedly researchers have …
Part 4: Chinese Medicine Diagnosis: A Balancing Act Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis constitutes the four basic methods of; inspection (of the physical body or coating on the tongue), auscultation (listening to speech, breathing or coughing) and olfaction (of mouth or body odour), inquiry (of symptoms) and palpation (of pulse or abdomen), very much similar …
Part 3: Five Element Theory Following the Yin and Yang theory, in the 3rd century the Five Element theory was introduced which helped to understand the body as an interlinking system, where body functions are controlled through the actions of stimulation and inhibition. As with other Chinese philosophies this system is also based on observations …
Part 2: Qi: Vital Energy, Life Force In Chinese philosophy Yin and Yang are created by Tao (nature’s creative force). Within this also originates the flow of life force called ‘Qi’ (pronounced Chi). Qi is described as vital energy or life force that exists in nature and all life, in the form of movement and …
In this new 8 part series we attempt to understand the science of acupuncture and how it links to western medicine. Each week we will be exploring the philosophies and concepts on which acupuncture is based, which expands into how they could be linked into the physiology of medicine. To receive updates on this series …
A review study published in May 2013 conducted by the Cochrane Group on the usefulness of acupuncture for fibromyalgia found that “Acupuncture is probably better than non-acupuncture treatment in reducing pain and stiffness and improving overall well-being and fatigue”. Fibromyalgia sufferers experience a range of symptoms including joint stiffness, sleep disturbances, fatigue and mood disorders. Together …
