Another helpful Acupuncture research study

Here we have another instance of science again discovering another mechanism by which acupuncture heals. I would like to congratulate the researchers for doing this important work.

I love studies like this because, at the very least, they show that the acupuncture effect is not placebo. After all, in this study, the experimental subjects are mice who have no idea they are "supposed" to feel better. I'm sure they have some level of intelligence, but they aren't believing anything in particular about the effects the acupuncture might have.

We also have other studies that independently demonstrate that acupuncture can:
- decrease stress hormone activity
- increase beta-endorphin (pleasure hormone) levels
- adjust blood flow patterns in tissues both local to and remote from the needle insertion site
- modulate brain activity based on where the needles are placed, even to the point of causing increased salivation when a needle is placed in the hand

Yet, the detractors continue their attacks, which just boggles my mind. At the very least, we can all acknowledge that the human body is an exquisitely intricate self-healing entity, and that the pathways for inducing change in it are likely infinite. And, at most, we can even seriously entertain the idea that the body is an intelligent entity that is capable of responding to needle insertion at various locations in an intelligent way, and in a different way depending on the insertion pattern.

The latter is what I have come not just to believe, but to KNOW based on experience of doing several thousand acupuncture treatments and watching the response unfold over days, weeks, and even years of repeated treatments. It is nothing short of amazing and a testament to the amazing transformative power encapsulated inside these wonderful bodies we inhabit.

The article:
Adenosine Is Key to Acupuncture's Effectiveness - WSJ.com

Chris Axelrad, M.S.O.M., L. Ac., FABORM, director of the Axelrad Clinic for Natural Women's Healthcare, is a recognized expert in women's health, natural treatment of hormone imbalance, and fertility enhancement using Traditional Chinese Medicine integrated with conventional medical knowledge. He is known for his easy-going manner and sincere compassion for his patients. Mr. Axelrad provides coaching and support to patients across the country via his remote treatment programs, and he also maintains a busy full-time specialty clinical practice in Houston, TX. Visit the clinic website to schedule your free 30-minute initial consultation.