Function of Acupuncture

Question 1

What are the 3 main pain theories we talked about and what are they?

Answer 1

1) specific theory: any pain is caused by a specific stimuli
2) gate control theory: there is a specific pain pathway in the body
* this one very important in proving acupuncture because
research shows the acupuncture can block the pain signal in the
spinal cord
3. Pattern Theory: certain stimuli correlates to a specific pattern

Question 2

What was the results from testing COPD in qual birds and looking at the particle movement in the windpipe?

Answer 2

• drugs/herbs only increased cilia by 5%

- acupuncture increase cilia by 35%

Question 3

What are the 3 main functions of acupuncture?

Answer 3

1) balance yin/yang
2) strengthen zheng Qi and clear xie Qi
3) promote circulation and channel Qi

Question 4

What are the 5 factors that can affect the effectiveness of Acupuncture treatments?

Answer 4

1) location (accuracy of needling, point selection)
2) quality and quantity (strong/weak stimulation, frequency, moxa/electro/manual stimulation, thrusting/twisting, # of points, technique (tonify/reduce)
3) circulation of Channel Qi (point selection/needling technique)
4) nervous system (nerve damage decrease acupuncture effectiveness, intact nerve is essential)
5) time (needle retention, stimulation, b/w tx, time of day)

Question 5

How does acupuncture activate the internal healing system?

Answer 5

1) produce antibodies (help appendicitis)
2) increase WBC (# and effectiveness) *St-36
3) decrease acetylcholine, increase CA (help asthma)
4) increase cortisol levels in blood (help with uterus contraction in labour)

Question 6

Which 3 centers does Acupuncture analgesia activate?

Answer 6

1) spinal cord
2) mid brain
3) pituitary/hypothalamus

these release neurochemicals (endorphins and monoamines) to block the pain pathway

Question 7

Explain the pathway of how an acupuncture needle can promotes analgesia:

Answer 7

acu needle–>muscle sensory receptors (II/III)–>SPINAL CORD (releases endorphins)–>MIDBRAIN (release endorphins + release 2 monoamines: serotonin/norepinephrine)–>HYPO/PITUITARY (release ACTH= increased blood cortisol= reduce inflammation + release endorphins to blood/cerebrospinal fluid= promote analgesia)

Question 8

What is De QI

Answer 8

aching sensation produced by acupuncture needles

Question 9

In the PAIN ARTICLE: which 2 muscle sensory receptors were talked about and what did they do?

Answer 9

1) II= signal numbness sensation of De QI from needling

2) III= signal fullness, heaviness, mild aching of De Qi

Question 10

in the PAIN ARTICLE: what 3 endorphins are released by the spinal cord ALT cell (antereolateral tract)?

Answer 10

1) enkephalins
2) B-endorphins
3) dynorhpins

Question 11

Define deficiency in TCM terms:

Answer 11

not enough Zheng QI

Question 12

Define Excess in TCM terms:

Answer 12

presence of Xie Qi

Question 13

What is the etiology of deficiency?

Answer 13

1) constitution
2) diet
3) lifestyle
4) aging
5) chronic illness

Question 14

What is the treatment principle for deficiency?

Answer 14

use moxa for sinking

tonify for deficient

Question 15

How can you tonify using acupuncture?

Answer 15

1) technique (angle, stimulation, moxa)
2) point combination *4 main points:
*REN 4/6
UB 43
ST 36

Question 16

What is the principle of treatment for Excess?

Answer 16

1) reduce
2) bleeding
3) remove stg

Question 17

How can you sedate with acupuncture?

Answer 17

1) technique (fine needles, strong stimulation, bleeding)

2) point combination

Question 18

How can you differentiate exterior condition from interior?

Answer 18

• exterior= aversion to cold+ fever

Question 19

What are the 3 locations that HEAT pathology can occur?

Answer 19

1) internal
2) external
3) local

Question 20

What are the treatment principles for HEAT?

Answer 20

1) clear heat
2) swift tx method= quick i) insertion/withdrawal
ii) lift, thrust, rotation

Question 21

Where are the 2 places COLD pathology can occur?

Answer 21

1) interior

2) exterior

Question 22

What is the principle of treatment for COLD?

Answer 22

1) warm cold
2) retain needle: i)longer (esp.albtera winters)
ii) slow manipulation
3) moxa

Question 23

What does Harmony method treat?

Answer 23

Shaoyang disorders

Question 24

What is the treatment principle for HARMONY method?

Answer 24

treat non-excess and non-deficiency syndromes

*if not sure in clinic if diagnosis is excess/deficient use harmony method and see how patient responds

Question 25

How can you differentiate Biao/Ben?

Answer 25

BIAO (branch) BEN (root)
yang yin
exterior interior
meridian zang-fu organs
symptom cause
XIE QI ZHENG QI
2nd disease 1st diease

Question 26

What is the treatment principle for Biao/Ben?

Answer 26

1) Biao first = if Biao is urgent
2) Ben first= if Biao is NOT urgent
3) Biao/Ben same time= *best option if possible (the 2 always connected)

Question 27

How does St-36 improve the immune system?

Answer 27

increased amount and increases function of WBC by 60% for 2-3 hours after needling

Question 28

How can you prove that acupuncture is not just a placebo effect?

Answer 28

1) works on animals

2) works on children (usually respond better than adults)