How Does Acupuncture Work?
by Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc
This is a question I’ve been asked many times over the years and that I think about often. Being a licensed acupuncturist for over 20 years, I’ve had a long time to observe the effects of acupuncture on my patients, understand acupuncture theory based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and review countless studies demonstrating the effectiveness of acupuncture in a variety of conditions and sometimes giving us glimpses of how it may work.
First of all, we know acupuncture works, and this has been confirmed time and time again. Through literally thousands of years of study and observation by generations of Asian doctors and medical practitioners, we know that acupuncture is effective for many conditions. I often joke with my patients that if acupuncture didn’t work, it would have died out a long time ago. In the 1970s, with Nixon's visit to China during which reporter James Reston underwent surgery for appendicitis using acupuncture for anaesthesia, interest in acupuncture was ignited in the west.
At first, western researchers pooh-poohed acupuncture as something akin to witchcraft. After all, TCM theories of acupuncture revolve around the notion that there is an energy called Qi which permeates the body and flows through energy channels called meridians. Stimulating specific acupoints on these meridians would thus affect the flow of Qi, resulting in local changes as well as have deeper effects in our organs and on our metabolism. Much of the history of TCM involves close observation of the effects of stimulating acupuncture points with needles and other techniques and constructing theories as to how acupuncture works. Remember, much of this study was done before we had many of the scientific advances we have today that have revealed to us such things as bacteria, viruses, ova and sperm, hormones and neurotransmitter chemistry. Scientists, who use deductive logic and double-blind studies as evidence, had a very difficult time with these concepts and set out to study acupuncture from a western scientific perspective.
Western scientists aimed to disprove its effectiveness, thinking this would be a slam-dunk. One such researcher, Bruce Pomerantz, a neurologist from Toronto, studied the effects of acupuncture on the nervous system and for the treatment of pain. What he discovered was that acupuncture stimulated the release of endorphins, natural substances our bodies produce to decrease pain and improve a sense of well-being. This discovery, since confirmed by other scientists, was the first “a-ha” moment showing that indeed, acupuncture may have a scientific basis.
Since then, there have been many studies demonstrating the effectiveness of acupuncture for a variety of conditions; we see these in the news all the time. It has been shown to work better for some things than others, and the best results often have to do with pain and injury, such as low back pain and sciatica, nausea, asthma and allergies, stress and anxiety, fertility enhancement and hormonal imbalances, among others.
I use acupuncture in my practice with most of my patients and have treated thousands of people. My observations generally are in agreement with these findings. So what is it that brings these various conditions together other than the fact that acupuncture appears to be particularly effective for them?
My theory is that acupuncture works best for conditions that involve the nervous system, the immune system and our endocrine (or hormone) system. All three of these systems “talk” to each other, communicating through chemicals such as hormones, neurotransmitters, prostaglandins and the like. By stimulating an acupuncture point, the nervous system receives signals and responds by stimulating nerve or brain cells, causing hormones to be released, and affecting our immune system through chemical messengers. I believe that the interaction of these three systems are responsible for many of the positive effects of acupuncture we observe through western scientific study.
Does this mean that the TCM theories are antiquated? Not really; they give us great insight into how to create the most effective acupuncture treatment plans as observed over generations by experienced practitioners. Western science can also be a window into understanding the effects of acupuncture and give us further insight into the functioning of these systems.
So, how does acupuncture work? In the end, we don’t understand it completely. After all, it's only been seriously studied in the west for the past 35 years. Maybe it's the flow of Qi, maybe it’s through hormone balancing or immune system regulation, maybe it's by endorphins, and certainly we have a lot more to study and learn to deeply understand how acupuncture works. Meanwhile, thankfully, generations of practice and observation have convinced me that acupuncture is an effective therapy with few side-effects and with the ability to help bring healing and balance to our bodies.
Welcome New Resident, Andrea Zengion, ND, LAc! 
Dr. Zengion is joining the clinic on January 1st through an accredited residency program made possible by NERC (Naturopathic Education and Research Consortium) and Pure Encapsulations. Her one-year residency, practicing both naturopathic medicine and acupuncture, is being supervised by the clinic's director, Dr. Carl Hangee-Bauer.
Dr. Zengion completed her bachelor's degree at MIT, where she studied biology and women's studies. She earned degrees in naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Chinese medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, enabling her to combine not only natural and conventional medicine, but eastern and western holistic paradigms. Andrea offers her clients a wide range of therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, clinical nutrition, physical medicine, immune support, detoxification and supplementation.
Dr. Zengion has worked as a doula (labor and birth companion) and as an editor of naturopathic textbooks. She will focus on gynecology, reproductive health and pregnancy support. She also enjoys working with digestive health, lesbian/ gay/ bisexual/ transgender health issues, endocrinology, pain complaints and environmental health.
"I am thrilled to join the excellent team at San Francisco Natural Medicine. I look forward to meeting you and wish you a happy and healthy new year!" –Andrea
Natural Aesthetics and Massage Therapy
Experience spa-like relaxation while enjoying the many therapeutic benefits of an organic facial, a signature massage, foot massage with hot paraffin, exfoliating body scrub, or hot stone treatment. Gayl Hyde has her doctorate in naturopathic medicine as well as certification in advanced medical aesthetics and massage therapy. She offers her clients these luxurious treatments, connecting inner health and outer beauty, to facilitate healing on many levels.
Regular facial treatments encourage face muscles to stay toned, promoting a healthier, more youthful appearance. The combination of facial massage and exclusively formulated organic products helps purify and detoxify the skin for a clearer complexion. The treatment includes a face, neck and shoulder massage, plus a foot massage for additional relaxation. Continuous treatments help reduce breakouts in acne-prone skin and minimize fine lines. Periodic treatments are great pick-me-ups for special occasions or when you want to pamper yourself! All-natural and organic products – free from harsh chemicals and parabens – are used during each session.
PACKAGES: Purchase five 60-minute sessions for $425, and save a total of $50 when paid in advance. You may apply a package session toward a 90-minute session with an additional fee of $45. Purchase a package before 12/25/09 and receive a sixth one-hour treatment session free – that's a $145 savings!
REFERRAL PROGRAM: Referrals are the best form of advertising and are greatly appreciated. When you refer three new clients who come in for at least a one-hour treatment session, you'll receive a free one-hour session as a thank you!
