Acupuncture and science: Links between traditional medicine and scientific research

by time news

2023-07-14 09:42:11

The acupuncture It is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine practice that has gained popularity around the world due to its effectiveness in treating various health conditions. Although it has been used for thousands of years, some skeptics have questioned its scientific validity.

Acupuncture is based on the theory that the human body contains energy channels called meridians, along which “qi” or vital energy flows. According to this theory, when the meridians are blocked, imbalance and illness occur. Acupuncture seeks to restore balance by inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, thus stimulating the flow of energy and promoting healing.

While the principles of acupuncture may seem abstract from a scientific perspective, modern research has shed light on its mechanisms and effects on the human body. Numerous scientific studies have shown that acupuncture has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects on the body.

One of the most interesting findings is that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that act as natural pain relievers in the body. In addition, acupuncture has been shown to modulate the activity of different physiological systems, such as the central nervous system, the immune system, and the endocrine system.

In terms of scientific evidence, acupuncture has been recognized and endorsed by renowned organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States National Institute of Health (NIH). These institutions have recognized the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of various conditions, such as chronic pain, nausea induced by chemotherapy, and osteoarthritis.

In addition, technological advances have allowed for more rigorous research on acupuncture. The functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique has shown changes in brain activity during acupuncture point stimulation, supporting the theory of its effects on the central nervous system.

Despite these scientific advances, it is important to note that questions and challenges remain in acupuncture research. The complexity of the practice, the variability in the acupuncture points used, and the difficulty in designing double-blind controlled studies have been some of the challenges for its scientific study.

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