The Journal of the American Medical Association states that many questions still remain for study about contemporary medical acupuncture, “the evidence now available, however, is sufficient to place this age-old Chinese healing art, modernized to US standards, on a solid scientific base.” The Journal then concludes the feature on the subject by saying that in the hands of competent physicians, acupuncture is a method free from discomfort or side effects that can, in many cases, bring some relief of chronic pain.

It may well be worth a try. When patients ask about contemporary medical acupuncture, they receive advice now with great confidence on the method. Acupuncture needles are capable of stimulating the pain’s own painkillers which are endorphins and encephalin. According to Britain’s medical journal Doctors at London’s St. Bartholomew’s Hospital said that after the sessions there was a significant rise of endorphin levels in the cerepospinal fluid (CSF) of patients relieved of pain by contemporary medical acupuncture when compared to volunteers who received no treatment. This is said to be the first time human endorphin levels in CSF have been associated to contemporary medical acupuncture.

How then does Acupuncture work?

How does it work? This is the key question about contemporary medical acupuncture. Does it have a scientific basis? Is it simply based on the principle of ‘mind over matter’? Could it even be associated with spiritism? Not even until now where all the secrets on how contemporary medical acupuncture works uncovered. Even its most dedicated followers admit that they do not know the precise scientific explanation of this holistic method. Because of this, some have suggested that contemporary medical acupuncture is related to the process of hypnosis. An American orthopedist compared contemporary medical acupuncture to drinking from the water of Lourdes, or having Oral Roberts touch people who then scream “I’m cured.” Others suggest that the Chinese have been brain washed by Mao Tse-tung’s thoughts. Many, however, disagree. Doctors note that the Chinese have produced general anesthesia in animals by using contemporary medical acupuncture, evidence that points in a rather more scientific direction.

Since contemporary medical acupuncture has been successfully used, particularly in China, in pediatrics and in veterinary medicine, this ‘psychological factor’, represents only a small part of the whole effect, as in any other therapy. Another doctor from New York argues that a psychological factor is always involved in medical treatments. That’s why there are clinical trials which administer placebos. For this and many other beneficiary reasons, medical acupuncture is being taught, learned, practiced and accepted by medical practitioners worldwide. With no doubt, acupuncture as an alternative to medical approaches is now considered as a modern breakthrough to curing health issues.

It is not called ancient Chinese acupuncture for nothing. Acupuncture healing has been around for a long time, dating as far back as any recorded written history. Chinese acupuncture has evolved since the time when it was only a Chinese therapeutic method to what it is today, an art of healing practiced all over the world. In fact, it now has modifications to its original inception resulting in different practices as well as modern explanations for what makes acupuncture healing work.

In its infant stages, Chinese acupuncture relied on the Taoist belief as the main explanation behind the effects of acupuncture. Fast forward to the 21^st century and you now have a scientific explanation as to why acupuncture healing is effective. There is now a sense of East fusing with the West in the modern day acupuncture practice.

Acupuncture Healing: In the Beginning…

When Chinese acupuncture started, needles did not exist yet. According to historians, ancient Chinese acupuncture used carved stones. It was roughly around 2,000 years ago when the needles that are widely part of the acupuncture healing method today actually started to be used. It is also believed that acupuncture is the combination of massage and acupressure since the needles can give a greater effect with less time and effort.

Chinese acupuncture functions on the basic understanding that stimulating acupuncture points on certain parts of the body results in the production of enkephalins and endorphins. These are the body’s naturally potent pain killers which can make any prescription drug useless.

Chinese acupuncture is also known to stimulate the immune system, relax muscles, and reduce inflammation. It improves energy flow; this in turn enhances the functions of vital organs which depend on natural electricity in its processes. Acupuncture healing can be very effective in treating various health problems such as: obesity, back aches, arthritis, muscle injuries, menstrual cramps and many more.

Ancient Chinese acupuncture is fundamentally similar to modern acupuncture except nowadays acupuncturists combine acupuncture with other treatments to improve effectiveness. For example, electro-acupuncture or laser acupunctures.

Ancient Chinese acupuncture has come a long way since it started when only stones were used on the acupuncture points. Even though the acupuncture healing technique has seen a lot of advances, its philosophy is still rooted on the ancient practice. So, if you want to reap the benefits of this ancient healing method, try combining it to in your next medical treatment.