Kate Barry
How does acupuncture work? This is a common question I hear in the clinic and out and about in the world, and the answer is vast. There is documentation of this system of medicine dating back over 5000 years! The science and dynamics have evolved over the centuries into a myriad of ways to interpret and practice this beautiful wisdom.
Let’s start with energy. We know from modern science that everything at its core is energy. All solid particles, including our fascinating bodies, when broken down to the smallest bits of matter, are energy. When observing atoms under a microscope, we see vibrations of protons, neutrons, and electrons that come together to form molecules, and when those vibrations are charged and in motion, we have ions, which create electricity. We are used to the concept of electricity in the buildings we move through, and with the use of our electronics, which are powered, often wirelessly, with this energy. Our bodies, as well, are filled with ions and electricity. We don’t question it much when we pick up our cell phones and use that invisible current to call our loved ones, but we don’t often acknowledge and relate to the electricity that flows within us. When we insert the hair-thin needles into your body in an acupuncture treatment, we are tapping into that current!
Just as the energetic currents flow from cell phone to cell phone with paths from routers and cell towers in between, so too does the electricity in our bodies flow in pathways, which are often referred to as meridians or channels. The energy flows from one vital organ, out to the extremities, back to another vital organ, and out to another extremity, back and forth, up and down, ideally flowing freely from one organ system to the next. In acupuncture school, we spend a lot of time learning these pathways and the points along the way to modify the energy within the system. I recently had a patient who was presenting with a headache and congestion ask me if what she was eating and her digestion could be related to the discomfort in her head and face. The answer is absolutely! The channels of the stomach, gall bladder, small intestine, and large intestine all circulate through the head and face. This gives us a deeper understanding of the gut-brain axis that is often talked about in science.
Sometimes there is interference on a phone call, the signal strength isn’t strong, or the connection is severed, and the call drops entirely. The same thing can happen within the energy pathways in our bodies. There are specific points and needling techniques we acupuncturists use on each meridian that can tonify that system if it is deficient, sedate it if it’s overactive, or invigorate it if there is stagnation. Oftentimes, we will use combinations of points. For example, if a person has anemia, we may use a combination of points on the liver, spleen, and kidney channels to tonify the blood. Every treatment is uniquely tailored to each individual, depending on their constitution and how they are presenting in the present moment.
The circulation of blood and fluids throughout the body is powered by this electricity. When there is free flow with no deficiencies, excesses, or stagnation in the organs and their corresponding channels, we experience vitality and clarity. Nutrients are delivered to all the parts of our bodies, and we feel energized and healthy. Whenever we experience an unpleasant symptom in our bodies, minds, and/or spirits, that is our body sending us a signal that something is out of balance in our system. The details of the symptoms are incredibly helpful for us acupuncturists to determine the course of treatment.
Let’s take the example of pain, which is a common reason people seek out acupuncture. The quality of the pain helps us acupuncturists determine the various sources of the pain. Is it throbbing, stabbing, achy, deep, tingling, shooting, cramping, dull, or any other adjective you can think of? Sometimes it’s not even pain, but an annoying sensation. Very generally speaking, when there is pain, there is a block in the free flow of energy. If that pain is fixed and stabbing its often due to blood stagnation. If the pain moves around its often related to qi/energy stagnation. If the pain is heavy and full its often due to fluid stagnation. The more descriptive you are with your sensations, the better it is for your practitioner to diagnose the root cause.
Occasionally, patients will say, I hope this isn’t too much information for you, and I always say, the more details the better. And this isn’t just in relation to pain; we love all the details about anything that feels off in your system, from sleeping to pooping to breathing to thinking. All of us acupuncturists at DCA are passionate about harmonizing the systems in your body so your soul can freely move and express itself, and you can fulfill the destiny of your existence. Considering the chaos in the external world, we need to focus on optimizing our full potential internally so we can create a more beautiful world. On a personal note, I feel incredibly blessed to do this work and am eternally grateful for the connection with everyone in our community from whom I’ve learned so much. Together, all of you have contributed to creating a beautiful healing space. From my heart to yours, thank you!
