Many people seek acupuncture in the treatment or management of pain. Acupuncture specifically has been shown to influence nerve transmission as well as endorphin release (natural pain killers). Acupuncture is also very good in treating a vast range of medical conditions, by regulating the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and endocrine system. Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to regulate its environment and maintain internal balance. All diseases involve a disturbance of homeostasis, and nearly all diseases involve some degree of pain and inflammation. Research over the last several decades has shown most serious conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and cancer, are in fact primarily caused by chronic inflammation. Since most diseases are characterised by pain, inflammation, and disturbance of homeostasis, one can begin to understand why acupuncture can be beneficial for so many conditions.

The insertion and manipulation of very fine and sterile one time use needles, catalyse the body’s natural healing mechanisms. The mechanisms of how acupuncture works can get quite complex. But ultimately acupuncture stimulates the peripheral nervous system. Acupoints are superficial nodes where there are an abundant supply of nerves. Acupuncture works directly on the nervous system to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, oxygenation, and regulate hormones, all of which results in rapid cell repair and restoration. Since, distal acupuncture works on the nervous system, it is not necessary to insert needles directly into an area that is injured, or in pain. R.J. prefers to use distal points and micro-systems located far from the site of pain or illness, so as not to further aggravate and inflame the already affected area.

In the classical texts, it states that acupuncture points are dark caves, and the acupuncturist inserts needles to illuminate the darkness. Today that can be summarised as explaining that the insertion and manipulation of a needle into tissue causes a structural (cellular) change, hormonal (biochemical) release, and a nervous (energetic) system response. When a needle is inserted in the correct location with the required technique, a change of information occurs at all levels of the body.

A single cell has all the information necessary to reproduce, transform and function as any tissue, system, or part of the body. Acupuncture works at this level, by stimulating the body to change it’s information and send energy, blood, nutrition, and nerve impulses to a specific place in the body. Therefore, clearing the blockage that is affecting the physical body, energy, and consciousness by “illuminating the darkness”. 

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One of the most influential mechanisms of acupuncture is in the promotion of blood flow. Everything the body needs to heal is in blood. This includes oxygen, nutrients for cellular function and repair, immune substances, hormones, analgesics (natural pain killers), and anti-inflammatories. Restoring proper blood flow is vital to promoting and maintaining health. For example, if blood flow is diminished by as little as 3% in the breast area, cancer may develop. Blood flow decreases as we age and can be impacted by trauma, injuries, and certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Acupuncture increases blood flow and vasodilation (expands the blood vessels) in several regions of the body.

R.J. offers a comprehensive treatment plan based on a detailed diagnosis, to encourage patients to take full advantage of the healing power of Acupuncture. 

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