Acupuncture is an old therapeutic method of traditional Chinese Medicine that is based on producing analgesia or altering a specific function of the nerves by inserting fine, very thin needles into certain points on the skin. These points, according to ancient Chinese therapists, are situated along 14 specific lines, called meridians. There is an ample theory about energy, in Chinese qi (pronounced "chee"), and its influence on human`s health. Scientifically the acupuncture diseases treatment has not been totally explained, but there are some reasonable clues.
Researches have shown that acupuncture points have significantly decreased electrical resistance, comparing to other skin sectors. Needles inserted in these points are stimulating peripheral nerves and initiating different neural and chemical processes. The analgesic effect is most commonly used. Modern medicine often uses electro-acupuncture diseases treatment.
The electrical stimulation is strictly controlled by the doctor and can have different results. For example, low-frequency stimulation releases endorphins and enkephalins - neurotransmitters that have pain-relieving properties similar to those of opiates. High frequency stimulation releases serotonin and norepinephrine - hormones that are stimulating the immune system.
The diversity of diseases treated with acupuncture described in medical literature is quite amazing. Those who are practicing acupuncture insist that this procedure can be used for the benefice of all human body systems.
There is listed an incredible number of diseases from allergies, arthritis, asthma, backache, bronchitis, bursitis, and cataract to obesity, sexual dysfunction, and addictions. Still, the efficiency of acupuncture in all these maladies has not been totally proven yet. A demonstrated importance has acupuncture diseases treatment in immune system maladies. Researchers hope to use acupuncture's capacity to stimulate T and B-lymphocytes in treatment and care of HIV positive patients.
An important role has acupuncture in different cases of male and female infertility. Infertility can be caused by a plenty of factors. One of male factors that can lead to couple infertility is sperm count and low sperm (poor sperm density). Scientific experimental studies show that acupuncture can increase sperm count in males with such affections like azoospermia and oligospermia. This fact gives hope to many couples that are failing to get pregnant because of the low sperm count of the husband.
Also there are dates that acupuncture can stimulate ovulation and balance hormone level in infertile women. Female infertility can be caused by such problems as amenorrhea (the absence of three consecutive periods), oligomenorrhea and anovulatory menstrual cycle. Studies have proven that acupuncture diseases treatment regulates the secretion of sexual hormones, such as luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone that are determining ovulation (release of the egg).
The importance of acupuncture in medicine is not definite but its beneficial influence on the human body cannot be denied.