Neuro Enhancing Acupuncture bridges the knowledge of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC), the networks of the meridians and the functions of the acupuncture points, with the knowledge of the nervous system. Combining these two frameworks helps provide a new lens through which to view bringing healing and balance to our bodies. It is a beautiful overlap of two complex forms of understanding the body functioning - one ancient, and one modern.
Our nervous system is an electrical system which transports electrons and chemicals (or Qi) from one site to spark activity in another area. Through the insertion of a needle, a cascade of events happen that both affect and effect the nervous system. There are three basic needs that nerves require to function - oxygen, stimulation and fuel.
Oxygen we get through breathing and absorption of oxygen traveling in our blood
Stimulation we get through using, moving and working our bodies. Touch, activity, and sensory perception are all different forms of stimulation.
Fuel comes to our tissues in the form of glucose, and is generated from the food we eat and glucose delivery.
Oxygen, stimulation and glucose are three different forms of energy, or Qi. When we insert an acupuncture needle, we provide stimulation and influence nerves through sensory perception - this is why we feel the insertion of the needle. We can also add electricity to “talk” to the nervous system in its own language.
When a nerve is stimulated, there are measurable changes in the circulation of blood flow to the area. We can see this when the spot gets a little red around the needle, or measure it with medical technologies. The increase in blood flow in response to an acupuncture insertion causes nerves to fire, which in turn enhances delivery of both fuel and oxygen (Qi) to the area through increased blood flow.
In TCM, the disruption to the natural movement of Qi and Blood is the underlying cause of all diseases. When viewed through a modern lense, it would be the same as saying any blockage to blood flow or normal cellular activity is the root of all diseases. Acupuncture helps move these blocks, so we can enter stronger, freer and more fully into our vibrancy and life!
The insertion of a needle helps deliver the three things nerves need to function - blood, oxygen and stimulation, and in doing so helps the nervous system function in big and small ways! Classically, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we say “acupuncture helps with the movement of Qi and Blood” which is an accurate way of stating that acupuncture increases blood flow and nutrient delivery to a site.
In my studies in both neuroscience and TCM, I have come to understand acupuncture as one of the oldest studies of influencing, changing, and enhancing the body through the nervous system. Not all acupuncturists see it this way, and not many neurologists see it that way, but I believe the reason for that is a lack of understanding of both fields and am eager to help shift that.
Written by: Sophia Bouwens, L.Ac