When is Acupuncture a Good Choice?
Source: Journal-Advocate
http://www.journal-advocate.com/columnist_teresahill/ci_30246436/when-is-acupuncture-good-choice-you
There are so many chronic pain syndromes that it is hard to name them all. Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, trigeminal neuralgia, peripheral neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy — the list goes on and on. It would appear that some people are “predisposed” to chronic pain and disability. This is an important fact and I want you to remember this and write it down: For every year that you have chronic pain your brain ages by 9 years. How important is it for you to take control of your life? How much suffering do you have to endure before your ready to take responsibility for your own health? I’ve said this before and I mean it: Your employer is not responsible for your health, your government is not responsible for your health…
You are and you alone!
Chronic pain leads to what researchers call a “central pain sensitivity.” They describe this “central pain sensitivity” as a physiological process when the nocioreceptors (pain) signals continue to increase into your brain without a checks and balance. Simply put, your pain receptors continually keep firing to the brain; this continuous firing lowers your threshold to pain. Many studies prove that acupuncture reduces pain by actually decreasing the stimulation of the nerve signals that cause the pain. Acupuncture also reduces the expression of inflammatory chemicals that stimulate nerve endings that result in pain. Research indicates that acupuncture can actually interrupt nerve signals that cause your pain. The parietal lobe of the brain deals with sensory input. Sensory input is how you perceive pain and various stimuli.
Acupuncture releases natural occurring “opiate-type neurochemicals” to control pain.
Acupuncture also works to release serotonin in the central nervous system. Let me give you a little back ground on serotonin. I’m sure you all are familiar with the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor drugs like Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, and Effexor. Serotonin in the brain acts to inhibit pain pathways. Drugs of this type are designed to stay in the synapse (space between the neurons) a little longer. Unfortunately, the neurons tire of this and eventually more and more drugs must be used and eventually the drug does not work. A serotonin imbalance results in losing your pleasure in your hobbies and interests. It’s also associated with feeling overwhelmed with ideas to manage, that feeling of inner rage or anger, feeling sad for no reason at all, losing your enthusiasm for your favorite activities, and an increase susceptibility to pain. The neat thing about acupuncture is you won’t have to take all those drugs to help your serotonin pathways. Cool!
Also a wonderful side-effect of acupuncture is it increases the natural killer cells in the brain. That’s good because natural killer cells help protect the brain. You got to love that! From a non-surgical standpoint, acupuncture is naturally a good choice for you.
