Two methods can be considered to evaluate whether acupuncture is a scientific treatment method: first, it is to investigate whether acupuncture treatment is effective or not. The second is to investigate whether acupuncture points and meridians have different properties than other points on the skin. Accordingly, the existence of meridians and what function they carry out, if any, are questions that come to mind. In healthy people, "chi" energy circulates uninterruptedly in these meridians. These meridians, like arteries and veins, cannot be detected by passing some fluids through them with x-ray techniques. However, the existence of the channels has been proven by the injection of some isotopes (Technicium 99).
Robert O. Becker demonstrated the existence of channels with some electrical measurements. Meridians are formed by the connection of points. In these meridians, the impedance of the electric current is lower. There are approximately 1000 meridian points. 300-350 of these points are used in treatment. The effects of acupuncture can be listed as follows.- Analgesic effect
- Homeostatic effect
- Immunity enhancing effect
- sedative effect
- psychological impact
- Engine improving effect
1-Analgesic effect: It is the effect of relieving pain. Pain is a subjective emotional experience that is accompanied by possible tissue damage. Three theories have been focused on the pain reduction of acupuncture. These; Gate control theory, nociceptive afferent theory, endorphin theory
Gate control theory: Melzack and Wall put forward this theory in 1965. By stimulating the thick unmyelinated A delta fibers with the acupuncture needle, they close the entrance gates of pain signals reaching the spinal cord through the thin myelinated group C nerve fibers in the substantia gelatinosa. Additionally, the acupuncture needle stimulates touch and pressure receptors.
Nociceptive afferent system theory: Mechanoreceptors are stimulated through the acupuncture needle, and this stimulation inhibits other pain impulses via nociceptive afferent fibers and prevents them from being carried up. Vibration, electrical stimulation, and massaging the painful area in physical therapy can also be explained by the same theory. Endorphin theory: While the pain of skeletal muscles is relieved with Meridian treatment, the endorphin system is activated. When special points are stimulated, these signals reach the pituitary gland, thus endorphins are released. It has been determined that endorphin isolated from humans has an analgesic effect 50 times stronger than morphine. Endorphins prevent the transmission of pain to pain centers.2-Homeostatic effect: Homeostasis means maintaining constant conditions in the body. The autonomic nervous system constantly and automatically controls the work of internal organs. Without thinking or making a plan, our circulatory, excretory, respiratory, digestive and many other systems work smoothly thanks to this autonomous nervous system. Acupuncture provides homeostasis through the autonomic nervous system, regulates the vascular system, regulates heartbeat, regulates sweating and body temperature, and regulates urine and stool excretion.
3-Immunity enhancing effect: Acupuncture has been shown by definitive research to increase body resistance by changing leukocyte numbers, opsonins, kinins and antibody levels. The number of leukocytes increases three hours after acupuncture is applied and this increase continues for 24 hours. Phagocytic activity of liver RES cells increased by 50% on the 6th day and 65% on the 12th day after treatment. -There is an increase in the number of T-helper cells by stimulating the LI4 (Large Intestine4) and St36 (Stomach 36) points. -Therefore, acupuncture increases immune system activity through both cellular (phagocytosis) and hormonal (antibodies). - Kahan, Mont Pellier-Neimes and MD J. Bossy from Texas Medical School have supported with many studies that the control and regulation mechanisms of the immune system correspond to the Yin-Yang concept of acupuncture. -The most important junction between the immune system and acupuncture is the nervous system. The nervous system both modulates the immune system and acts in the acupuncture mechanism.
4-Sedative effect: When the brain waves (EEG) of a person receiving acupuncture are examined, it is clearly detected that delta and theta waves are reduced. For this reason, acupuncture gives very good results in the treatment of sleep disorders. Due to these changes that acupuncture treatment creates on brain waves, this treatment is successfully applied in cases such as phobias, drug addiction, insomnia, anxiety, behavioral disorders and epilepsy.
5-Psychological effect: Acupuncture applications have a calming and soothing effect by increasing dopamine and endorphin secretion in the brain. It is also extremely effective in treating anxiety and depression.
6-Motor improving effect: People with some motor dysfunctions (partial paralysis) may show increased function after treatment.