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Call (312) 863-0731 For An Appointment

17 N. Wabash Ave. Ste 678 Chicago, IL 60602

Acupuncture Center Chicago Square Logo

17 N. Wabash Ave. Ste 678 Chicago, IL 60602

How Acupuncture Works

Chicago Loop Acupuncture is a drug-free natural treatment practice used to treat a wide range of physical and emotional ailments and conditions. The treatment involves stimulating points on the body using a hair-thin needles that are placed in pre-specified locations on the body. Originating in China, the practice was developed thousands of years ago and was a central part of ancient Chinese medicine. Beyond the more common treatment of chronic pain using acupuncture, many believe that the procedure can be effective in treating depression, anxiety and a variety physical symptoms. Some even believe that acupuncture can be used to treat diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer.

How Does the Treatment Work

In traditional Chinese medicine, is it believed that acupuncture is a method of releasing blocks, or qi, in how energy flows in the body. These qi lead to the development of disease and physical pain. The goal of the acupuncture treatment is to stimulate specific points on the skin and under the ski to release the qi.

Today, the understanding of how modern acupuncture treatment works are based on different principals than these traditional Chinese medicine beliefs. While it is still somewhat unclear, there are several hypotheses for the possible mechanisms that make acupuncture treatments effective. Here are a few possible explanations of how it is believed that acupuncture treatment works:

  • Targeting neurohormal pathways: The needle is placed in a specific location on the body to stimulate the nerves. Then the nerve sends signals to the brain, and the brain releases hormones, such as beta-Endorphins. This activity acts as a way to excite the body and release extra hormones that can help control inflammation and alleviate stress and pain.
  • Reducing pro-inflammatory markers: Some research studies show that acupuncture can lead to decreases in pro-inflammatory markers such as TNF and IL-1β. Reducing these levels in the body may result in reducing inflammation and pain.
  • Stimulating nerve growth: The use of acupuncture treatment has become more common for treating nerve damage that may be the result of various conditions. Researchers believe that putting the needle in and stimulating the nerve will lead to the brain secreting hormones that help the nerve to regenerate and regrow.

New Popular Uses for Acupuncture Treatment

  • Fertility Treatment: In addition to its use for treating pain and inflammation, acupuncture is also commonly used along with traditional fertility treatments. Research studies suggest that the acupuncture therapy helps to increase the effectiveness of fertility drugs by increasing the hormone levels that travel to the reproductive organs. The treatment has been found to help regulate ovulation which can increase the chances of getting pregnant for many women.
  • Anxiety & Stress Disorders: More recently, acupuncture has become popular to help treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The treatment can help stimulate hormones to alleviate some of the symptoms of PTSD, including depression and lack of sleep.
  • Additionally, acupuncture is becoming more popular to help treat or alleviate the side effects of anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, allergies, and even weight loss.

Limitations

Even though acupuncture is becoming more and more popular for the treatment of various health conditions, the acceptance of the practice is still limited in some medical settings. There is still a need for more rigorously designed research studies to provide evidence of the treatment. Many doctors are starting to encourage the use of acupuncture treatment in conjunction with modern practices and medicines. However, acupuncture remains a complementary treatment approach to modern conventional treatments.

More on Acupuncture : Side Effects of Acupuncture

Services We Offer : Conveniently Located in the Chicago Loop

Sunae Son, L.Ac, M.S.O.M. has spent much of her life exploring and researching western and eastern medicines, combining these practices over a decade of field and laboratory studies into mindful patient care in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

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