Acupuncture works, in part, because it has an effect upon the nervous system: up and down the spine and into the rest of the body. In addition to the signals flowing directly along the nerves, acupuncture causes biochemicals to influence the cells of the body. Over 30 peptides are involved in this transition of signals. The relationship between the hormonal system and the nervous system, through the adrenal gland, causes acupuncture to eventually reach every cell and every system of the body. Acupuncture uses our network of nerves and hormones to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
Many modern health practitioners encourage the application of low energy electrical pulses at various points on a patient’s body by using a TENS unit. It is generally understood by most doctors, nurses (and these patients) that electrical pulses along the nervous system create a “healing response”. A TENS unit causes electrical pulses that originate on the OUTSIDE of the skin and then echo to the nerves, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. Acupuncture needling, even when done without electrical stimulation, promotes an even deeper and more profound healing response because it begins INSIDE the body.