Three Essential Factors in Effective Acupuncture Therapy

Abstract

Three essential factors for achieving effective therapeutic results utilizing acupuncture are described: (1) Immune/inflammatory reactions are mobilized when any area of the skin is sufficiently stimulated. (2) Peripheral neural stimulation occurs when specific acupuncture loci are mechanically, electrically, chemically, or thermally activated. Precise stimulation of specific loci (i.e. peripheral neural receptors) may modulate central nervous system regulation of specific physiological functions in the body. (3) Psychological support is well known to be an important factor in all healing experiences, and that includes acupuncture therapy. The authors suggest that the most effective application of acupuncture involves sufficient stimulation of properly selected and precisely localized acupuncture loci combined with a dedicated concern for health that is clearly communicated to patients.