You may have heard about acupuncture before, but not really sure how it works, what its all about, and how it can benefit someone with anxiety. Join us with Anthony M. Giovanniello, MS.Ac.,L.Ac, acupuncurist at Acupuncture Ambassadors in New York City!
AiT: How does acupuncture work? AG: Originating in Asia some 2,500 years ago, Acupuncture is a major component of the Traditional Asian Medical System and the most commonly used of medicine in the world. In this system, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: Yin and Yang. Health is achieved by maintaining the body in a “balanced state” and that disease is due to an internal imbalance of Yin and Yang. The major cause of imbalance in the body is stress. Imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of QI (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. There are hundreds of acupuncture points on the human body that connect with them. During an acupuncture treatment, the practitioner inserts extremely fine, sterilized, one use only, stainless steel needles into these acupuncture points in various combinations. Acupuncture unblocks the flow of QI which then allows the body to begin to heal itself. For a Western Medicine view of how acupuncture works, researchers at the National Institute of Health are studying at least three possible explanations:
- Central nervous system stimulation. Acupuncture may stimulate your central nervous system — your brain and spinal cord — to release neurotransmitters and neuro-hormones that activate your body’s natural healing abilities.
- Opioid release. During acupuncture, endorphins that are part of your body’s natural pain-control system may be released into your central nervous system. This reduces pain.
- Body function change. Acupuncture may alter how your blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature are regulated as changes occur in the central nervous system. When an MRI image of the brain is taken as an acupuncture needle is placed almost anywhere on the body, the image lights up in areas considered to be in control of body functions such as appetite, breathing, body temperature, blood flow and blood pressure. So if for instance you are dealing with the health issue of poor appetite, acupuncture can help regulate the appetite to increase it.
AiT: What sort of disorders and illnesses can you treat with acupuncture? ? AG: The World Health Organization (WHO) published a list of 40 common disorders that acupuncture treats effectively. In 1997, research by the NIH (National Institutes of Heath) confirmed this list of conditions. These conditions included: allergies, asthma, colds & flu, chest pain/angina, high blood pressure, stroke, chronic fatigue, diabetes, menstrual pain, sports and traumatic injuries, insomnia, stress relief, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, fears/phobias, addictions (alcohol, nicotine, drugs, sugar, caffeine), ADD/ADHD and many others.
AiT: Tell us a little more about Acupuncture Ambassadors; how you got your start, what it’s all about. AG: The mission of Acupuncture Ambassadors is: “To travel, teach and treat with the medicine of Acupuncture in areas of the globe where healthcare is minimal or non-existent.” “In a war-torn world, there are countless victims, civilians, refugees and the military, suffering from PTSD, stress, anxiety and depression. Acupuncture is an effective medical treatment for the many symptoms of these health issues. Acupuncture Ambassadors use their skills to be of service to those who suffer from PTSD and depression.” We also teach the basics of acupuncture to medical and non-medical people so that treatments can continue well after the Acupuncture Ambassadors leave the mission site. By not only treating patients but passing on the knowledge, the tremendous potential of the medicine of acupuncture can truly be manifested. Acupuncture Ambassadors (ACUAMB) is an idea that has been brewing in me for almost 10 years. As acupuncture is a second career (I was in television and animation production for a number of years), I wanted this new work to be about service. Acupuncture is such an effective treatment for the symptoms of PTSD and boosts immunity in immune compromised patients. These are worldwide health issues and we have the medicine to make a difference. Treating patients with emotional issues has been the focus of my acupuncture practice in New York as I had experienced PTSD firsthand when I was close to the events of 911. It was acupuncture that helped me he