Because it is much better than using fish bones like they did thousands of years ago when acupuncture was first discovered!

Last week we were discussing the pain pathway. There are these "proprioceptive nerve fibers" (big words) that tell the brain the location of the pain. Simply, where the "ouch" is located. These "ouchy" nerve fibers continuously fire at the affected area, sending signals up the back of the spine and into the brain. Then the brain releases these natural pain killer called endorphins and enkephalins that bind to the pain receptors along the spine and the capillary beds where the pain exists in order to reduce pain. Lets take our patient with chronic pain... the proprioreceptive nerve threshold is too low. This makes the signal going into the brain weak so the area of pain become generalized, thus the brain does not release the natural pain killers.

Dr. Teresa C. Hill For the Journal-Advocate
Dr. Teresa C. Hill For the Journal-Advocate

Acupuncture is noted for the use of fine needles. Needle therapy produces minute tissue trauma that activates blood coagulation system to produce bradykinnin and plasmin. Bradykinnin triggers local pain sensory fibers and corresponding proprioceptive nerve fibers. The plasmin activates the immune system to sustain vasodilation during needles stimulation. All sorts of histamines, leukotrienes and prostaglandins are released. After needle insertion the inactivation phase breaks down histamine, releases cortisol and tissue healing begins.


In acupuncture we like to think of it as "rebooting the nerve pathway." The needles create a strong sensation that jump starts the nerve signal threshold and stimulates the brain to release endorphins and enkephalins(natural pain killers). Every person responds differently. After a few hours or days this signal weakens again and the needles stimulate the pathway again. Each sessions builds from the previous one. We keeping needling and improving the threshold until the body remembers and re-establishes the normal threshold to signal the brain to turn down the pain.

Acupuncture reduces pain, decreases inflammation, improves tissue healing, affects the vascular system, the organ system, and the nervous system. Does it get any better than that?

God bless America, our troops, our veterans, our police and sheriffs departments. Yours in good health!