tenser than I was, she too felt relief of tension after her first acupuncture treatment. The mechanism of this Chinese healing art has recently gained attention because of the available scientific evidence on acupuncture. Western medicine now sees a biological reason for the positive effects of acupuncture. First, there is a natural pain-suppression system in the brain. Once this is activated by acupuncture needles, the release of endogenous morphine-like substances called endorphins occurs, which creates the analgesic effectthe effect that the patient feels no pain, but he is still conscious. Secondly, acupuncture has been found to strengthen the bodys immune system, which makes one feel better, since the body is using its natural defense mechanism to heal itself. Acupuncture also has two natures: it can raise the energy level (as in low blood pressure) or it can lower the energy level (as in hypertension, or high blood pressure). All these aspects of acupuncture have allowed it to become so popular in modern medical systems. The treatment plan for each person differs simply because each person is unique. The illness, severity, duration, and physical state of the patient all contribute to the treatment plan. An average course of treatment takes about ten sessions, depending on the case. Some cases may need constant attention, as many as three visits per week, and others may only require a few visits total. A health maintenance program may also be used in which treatments continue once a week or every two weeks. This treatment helps the internal organs function properly so that the bodys balance is constant throughout everyday activities.The Chinese have been enjoying this ancient tradition for centuries, and today more and more Western doctors are agreeing that the acupuncture treatments actually work. Not only does it relieve stress, but acupuncture also helps in a number of medical conditions including headaches, osteo-...
