矢野针灸诊所 Yano Acupuncture laboratory Japan

院長はあくまで、とくにアジアの鍼灸師さん、と、情報交換したいです、もちろんUS、UKのかたも

歓迎です。いつでも連絡ください。

New acupuncture theory Why can pain be relieved? (English version) How to acupuncture.　やの針灸院

Hello, everyone. I am a Japanese acupuncturist in my mid-50s. Today, I would like to answer a common question from patients. How does modern acupuncture quickly reduce pain?

It is known that there are various scientific reasons for pain relief, such as the gate control theory. However, my hypothesis is based more on simple human instinct.

For instance, if a patient comes in with upper arm pain, it might be related to symptoms like tennis elbow. We apply needles to specific points. By inserting the needle deeply, pain reduces in about 15 minutes, but using electricity can speed up this process. Why does this work? My explanation is as follows. The human brain, since the time of Homo sapiens, has experienced injuries and battles. When a needle penetrates deep into the tissue, the brain might perceive it as a bite or wound from an animal or combat. It’s a reaction born from our long evolutionary history. The brain’s first response is to stop bleeding. However, since there is no actual bleeding, it’s ignored. Yet, the brain, sensing a deep wound, continues to release substances that stop bleeding and pain, like β-endorphins, which are natural painkillers in the brain. These include dopamine, β-endorphins (6.5 times more analgesic than morphine), enkephalins, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and over 20 other types.

For example, in treating chronic back pain, we use long needles and insert them into the body. The brain misinterprets this new stimulus as an external attack, like from an animal or injury, and sends signals for healing. Even if there’s disuse atrophy and the brain has given up on healing, reinserting the needles brings new stimulation, and the brain again moves towards healing. In my opinion, this is the mechanism behind the analgesic and healing effects of acupuncture.

This explanation is my personal theory and has not yet been scientifically proven. However, I believe it offers a new perspective in pain treatment. I am curious about how this theory is received by other professionals and whether anyone else shares this viewpoint. I look forward to your opinions. Thank you.

Trigger point acupuncture theory 誰にでもわかるトリガーポイント鍼灸治療