{"id":8901,"date":"2019-04-03T17:26:48","date_gmt":"2019-04-03T17:26:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ent.gr\/?p=8901"},"modified":"2023-03-31T17:35:33","modified_gmt":"2023-03-31T14:35:33","slug":"8901","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/8901\/","title":{"rendered":"How Acupuncture affects the body"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/8901\/#How_does_Acupuncture_affect_the_body\" >How does Acupuncture affect the body?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/8901\/#Local_reaction_of_needle_insertion\" >Local reaction of needle insertion:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/8901\/#Regional_reaction_of_acupuncture\" >Regional reaction of acupuncture:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/8901\/#Actions_and_mechanisms_of_Acupuncture\" >Actions and mechanisms of Acupuncture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/8901\/#Generalized_reaction\" >Generalized reaction:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_Acupuncture_affect_the_body\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 18pt;\">How does <a href=\"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/acupuncture\/\">Acupuncture<\/a> affect the body?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">The entry of the Acupuncture needle into a specific point causes three different reactions to our body:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Local_reaction_of_needle_insertion\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 18pt;\">Local reaction of needle insertion:<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_11560\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11560\" class=\"wp-image-11560 size-medium\" title=\"acupuncture needle insertion.ent\" src=\"https:\/\/ent.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%AC%CF%83%CE%B7-%CE%B2%CE%B5%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%BF%CF%85.%CE%95%CE%A5%CE%AF%CE%B1%CF%83%CE%B9%CF%82-300x236.jpg\" alt=\"acupuncture needle insertion.ent\" width=\"300\" height=\"236\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-11560\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Acupuncture needle insertion<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">The entry of the needle causes the production of a low intensity (10\u03bcA) current, which stimulates the cell membrane. This in turn causes intracellular and extracellular changes to occur. Consequently, the final result of these changes is the stimulation of the sensory receptors and the nerve endings of the area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">The entry of the needle into the skin leads to a small inflammatory reaction. This extends 1-3 centimeters from the point of entry and lasts 24-72 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">These mechanisms induce a continuous peripheral sensory stimulus, which is capable of activating endogenous mechanisms of analgesia and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/science\/homeostasis\">homeostasis<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">As a result, the response of the nervous system is dependent on the therapist. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">Since the response is affected by the:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\"> point, <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">thickness of the needle used, <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">depth of acupuncture, <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">handling of the needle.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Regional_reaction_of_acupuncture\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 18pt;\">Regional reaction of acupuncture:<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">The insertion of the acupuncture needle causes the stimulation of a sensory receptor. The stimulus is then transferred to the spinal cord and from there a responsive reaction is produced involving an area larger than that of the area of irritation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Actions_and_mechanisms_of_Acupuncture\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 18pt;\">Actions and mechanisms of Acupuncture<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">The knowledge gained from neurophysiology allows us to distinguish the presence of various reflex arcs involved in the action of the acupuncture effect but also in the selection of acupuncture points.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">In addition to the reflex arcs, there are other mechanisms that also contribute to the action of acupuncture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Generalized_reaction\"><\/span><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 18pt;\">Generalized reaction:<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">The first scientifically documented evidence of the analgesic effect of acupuncture came with the discovery of endorphins and the demonstration of significantly increased levels after the needles were inserted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/23040-endorphins\">Endorphins<\/a> are produced in the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body in response to painful or stressful stimuli.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">However, in addition to the endogenous opioid peptides, neurotransmitters, which are produced as the body&#8217;s response to skin irritation after the needle is inserted, also play an important role in the analgesic effect of acupuncture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">Many modern drugs used in the treatment of chronic pain, such as serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) act by a mechanism analogous to acupuncture.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14pt;\">In addition to the analgesic endogenous substances secreted by acupuncture, it has been found to increase the levels of a number of other substances that indirectly participate in the therapeutic effect such as cortisol, ACTH and prostaglandins.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row pix_padding_top=&#8221;pix-top-no-padding&#8221; pix_padding_bottom=&#8221;pix-bottom-no-padding&#8221; gradient_colors=&#8221;%5B%7B%7D%5D&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Contact us&#8221; color=&#8221;turquoise&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-phone&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:%2Fen%2Fcontacts||target:%20_blank|&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Book an appointment&#8221; color=&#8221;turquoise&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-calendar&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:%2Fen%2Fappointment||target:%20_blank|&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Get directions&#8221; color=&#8221;turquoise&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-map-marker&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fmaps%2Fdir%2F%2FEyiasis%2BENT%2BAcupuncture%2C%2BGeor.%2BDrosini%2B16%2C%2BKifisia%2B145%2B62%2F%4038.0718225%2C23.8122364%2C15z%2Fdata%3D!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x14a19edf40479729%3A0xa4593bd0e0aed04b!2m2!1d23.8122364!2d38.0718225||target:%20_blank|&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How does acupuncture affect the body? Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13352,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[164],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8901","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-acupuncture-indications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8901","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8901"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8901\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13352"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8901"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8901"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ent.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8901"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}