How Acupuncture May Work

Since the early 1950s, scientists have noticed a peculiar phenomenon with acu-points. Electrical properties of the skin along channels and points are different than nonchannel or point locations. If an organ is removed or the tissue crossed by the channel is destroyed, the electrical potential decreases, even disappears. Scientists have observed consistent characteristics of an independent electrical conduit in the body. This conduit works with the nervous system but does not follow all of its rules. This suggests a separate system of circulating energy that is different yet interactive with the nervous and cardiovascular systems that have been well observed and studied in conventional medicine. This interaction or communication between the acupoints, channels and corresponding muscles and organs of our body is at the heart of understanding how Qi flows and heals.

While no perfect study or explanation exists to date that the majority of practitioners agree fully encompasses the dynamic flow of Qi we see in the clinic the electrical conductivity model is one that is measurable to scientists. Electrical phenomena are usually measured in two ways. The first method applies electrical current to the skin and electro conductivity and resistance is measured to gauge the difference between an acupoints or channel and an area off the path. As we have discussed before in Ashi points, which can be any place, you may find electrical conductivity where you do not expect it, or less where you do expect it. The second method applies no external source of electricity, rather taking measurements on the surface of the skin to gauge it’s own electrical potential. Some changes in the skin’s electrical currents have been shown, as in the Herbai Medical School in China, to correspond to the internal organs that the channels are connected with. New developments in research will allow practitioners and scientists to create more meaningful study models for evaluating and understanding if electrical phenomena are the best way to identify the mechanism of acupoints and channels.

Your acupuncturist may choose a variety of techniques to treat your low-back pain, depending on the oriental medical diagnosis. Don't be surprised if your practitioner uses heat in the form of moxa or infrared heat therapy, especially if being cold is when you hurt the most. Relax and imagine you're on the beach in the sun. Traditional needle acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, or electromagnetic acupuncture or cupping may be used on these points.

Acupressure self-care for low-back pain is easy to learn, and the reward is feeling good the more you practice. Pay close attention to hand positions and point locations at first. Then let your fingers find the sore sports and enjoy the changes as your back relaxes.

Ice and heat can be great tools in your pursuit of pain-free living, but you've got to use them wisely. The chilling facts about ice are simple: Ice slows inflammation, lessens swelling, and alleviates pain. Apply it to the injury within the first 36[nd] 48 hours of sudden back pain. We know you like the idea of heat, but that comes later. During the third day of pain, if swelling is still present but reduced, you can alternate applying ice and heat. Always end with ice.