There are many theories about how acupuncture works.  In the summer of 1997, CNN reported that a group of scientists had successfully mapped out the body's electro-magnetic pathways.  When they were finished, they laid this map over a 3,000-year-old acupuncture chart and discovered that the "electromagnetic flow" followed the same pathways as the meridians, or acupuncture channels.

Another popularly held theory is that the insertion of the needles stimulates the body's production of endorphins, our natural "pain killers", thereby creating an analgesic effect and creating a sense of well-being.  Yet another theory insists that the mere penetration of a needle into the body's connective tissue, the thin membranous "sheeting" that holds us all together, signals the brain to direct healing energy to the area of the induced "wound".

While theories abound regarding how acupuncture works, the growing evidence is that it works.  In November, 1997, the National Institute of Health convened in Washington, D.C., to hear evidence and support for the use of acupuncture in a variety of medical conditions.  An appointed review panel returned an endorsement of acupuncture for such conditions as nausea and pain in certain medical circumstances.  The panel acknowledged that acupuncture was "probably" also effective for a variety of other situations and recommended that further research be conducted.  The World Health Organization currently endorses acupuncture as an effective form of treatment for well over 50 different health issues.

Making a "Point" about acupuncture
A powerful source of healing
What is acupuncture?
There are many theories about how acupuncture works...