Soreness or pain occurs when channels are blocked, and so blockages in meridians and collaterals are another cause of disease. But what are the meridians and collaterals?
Meridians and collaterals are non-visible paths where blood and energy flows through the body. Through these meridians we find points (named acupuncture points) where needles are inserted. There are a total of 367 acupuncture points over these meridians which therapeutic effects.
Apparently, these acupuncture meridians seem to follow anatomical pathways formed between planes between the connective tissue that divides the various anatomically and embryologically distinct body parts.
Fascia is made up from collagen that is a protein with unique piezoelectric qualities. This means that electrical charge is created when its structure is deformed. It is possible that the acupuncture needle stimulates not only the nervous system but also this anatomically hidden system of fascial pathways, and so leads to energetic change in diverse ways.
Even more, it is now scientifically accepted that acupuncture has a measurable analgesic effect mediated by impulses traveling up to the spinal cord by sensory nerves. Acupuncture stimulation appears to modulate nervous activity in the spinal cord at the level of the stimulated spinal nerve, which then results in inhibition of pain-carrying nerve fibers associated with the same spinal level. Impulses also travel up from the affected spinal cord level to the regions of the midbrain that deal in the general modulation of pain. This supports the observation that acupuncture can have both a local and general effect on the experience of pain.
The neurotransmitters B endorphin and metenkephalin are recognized as two chemical mediators that are instrumental in these acupuncture effects. The non-analgesic effects of acupuncture are less well explained scientifically. These include improvements in wound healing, nausea reduction, treatment of addiction, improved organ function, stimulation of the immune system and enhancement of mood. However, given the complex interconnections of the nervous and endocrine systems, it is feasible that acupuncture-mediated stimulation of nerves at a particular spinal level may have diverse ramifications both at a neural and the endocrine level.
According to Chinese Medicine, those having meridian blockages which disturb the flow of qi (Qi is a simile of energy) and blood may suffer from body temperature inequality ranging from the extremely high to the extremely low. However, with the progress of exercise, the flow of qi and blood tends to get regulated. Due to the redistribution of blood, the peripheral vessels open, microcirculation improves, the blood flow volume in tissues increases and regional temperatures rise. Consequently, the difference of body temperature tends to be remarkably reduced and restore to balance.
The thermal imager shows that when a person is practicing, wherever qi goes, brightness overwhelms while darkness succumbs and the bright spot moves with the mind-intention. The temperature rises by 2-4 or so and the regional blood flow volume increases by as much as 30%. Meanwhile, the activity of dopamine and ß-hydroxylase in blood plasma decreases while the eosinophil, erythrocyte and hemoglobin increases, immune response increases, and the secreted volume of plasma cortisone is halved. Hence, as is shown above, illness can be prevented or cured by dredging up channels of meridians and collaterals, and regulating qi and blood.
Treatment of sports injuries is generally about acupoint-pointing and self-practice Qigong, supplemented with medication, acupuncture and massage. Its mechanism is to mobilize and motivate the self-adjustment of the human body’s physiological function, aiming at strengthening the vital qi, toning the root, nursing yin and yang (do not worry if you are unaware of what Yin and Yang are), and clearing the channels in order to help with rehabilitation.
At AcuRodos, we provide an integrative plan of treatment for your acute or chronic condition, with regular check-ups and providing the latest proven protocols that supports the benefits of acupuncture and herbal medicine for your medical condition. Our treatments can be combined with your standard medical treatment without interaction.
