| The World Health Organization (WHO) references | | | | body. Therefore, a blockage of the flow of Qi |
| acupuncture as being an effective treatment for the | | | | anywhere in the body will inhibit the amount of |
| management of many types of pain, both acute and | | | | nourishment that reaches our cells, tissues, muscles, |
| chronic.There are 3 proven mechanisms that explain | | | | organs, and glands.Many things can cause Qi to |
| how acupuncture relieves pain; 1. Gate Theory | | | | become blocked: poor diet, physical trauma, emotional |
| Once inserted, the needle activates the myelinated | | | | trauma, inherited weakness, many disease processes, |
| nervous system fibers which ultimately stops the pain | | | | and chemical, physical, and emotional stress, just to |
| message from getting to the T-cells in the dorsal horn | | | | name a few.By inserting fine sterile needles at specific |
| of the spinal cord (closes the 'Gate'). Therefore the | | | | points, blockages of Qi that cause pain are cleared |
| pain message does not transmit to the thalamus | | | | and smooth flow is restored. Once this is |
| cortex in the brain (these areas normally interpret | | | | accomplished, pain will vanish.Treatment ProtocolsIt is |
| these messages and make you feel pain)2. Opiate | | | | not uncommon for there to be significant relief after |
| Theory | | | | just one treatment. Most often with acute pain, |
| Once inserted, the needle activates the midbrain to | | | | between 2-4 treatments for 1-3 weeks is usually |
| release beta-endorphins into the cerebral spinal fluid | | | | required to obtain optimal pain relieving effects. As for |
| and met-enkephalin into the plasma. This cascade | | | | chronic pain, 1-2 treatments per week for longer |
| causes the release of other neurotransmitters that | | | | durations is usually necessary.Any pain condition may |
| block the sensations of pain. Both endorphins and | | | | involve combination with other pain relieving modalities |
| enkephalins are naturally occurring opiate-like | | | | (yoga, fitness rehabilitation, physiotherapy, etc). Herbal |
| substances produced by the body in situations that | | | | salves and preparations along with certain |
| require analgesia. Opiates are the fundamental | | | | recommended supplements may also enter the scope |
| compounds that Pharmaceutical painkillers such as | | | | of treatment. Other traditional techniques such as |
| codeine and morphine are built from.3. Antihistamine | | | | cupping and moxibustion are also frequently employed. |
| Theory | | | | You may also be asked to perform some simple |
| Once inserted, the needle activates a process which | | | | techniques at home or work between treatments to |
| regulates (reduces) the amount of histamine and | | | | aid treatment efficacy.Spence Pentland of Vancouver |
| bradykinin in the blood. These substances are what | | | | BC Canada received his five year Doctor of TCM |
| causes inflammation and pain when chronic or acute | | | | education from the International College of Traditional |
| injury occurs.Traditional Acupuncture TheoryEnergy | | | | Chinese Medicine Vancouver. To complete his studies |
| (Qi) circulates within the body through a series of | | | | he spent 500 hours at Anhui Hospital of TCM Hefei |
| pathways called meridians, similar to blood vessels. | | | | City, in the Peoples Republic of China. He is a licensed |
| Wherever blood flows it brings with it nourishment and | | | | and registered member of the Canadian Traditional |
| life giving qualities to the surrounding tissues and | | | | Chinese Medicine Association, is the President of the |
| organs. Qi is the vital force necessary to keep the | | | | Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of British |
| heart pumping so that blood will be transported as | | | | Columbia (TCMABC and practices at Acubalance |
| needed. More broadly, Qi gives that same life force to | | | | Wellness Centre ( he treats only Men's reproductive |
| every single cell, tissue, muscle, organ, and gland in the | | | | health ( Women's fertility issues. |