by Dr. Emilie Beaulieu, ND

Each organ has its own meridian or energy channel via which different acupuncture points are connected. By accessing carefully selected points using special acupuncture needles (AKA “needling”), we aim to correct imbalances that often manifest in symptoms, and ultimately disease. When the elements and organ meridians are in harmony with one another, there is smooth flow of Qi (pronounced “CHEE”) and Blood throughout the body. Together, Qi and Blood sustain us. Different needling techniques are used to increase, decrease or redirect Qi at various points along the energy channels, based on each person’s individual presentation.

Stagnation of Qi and Blood are pathologies commonly caused by stress, which as we all know is pervasive in our society. Many of us cannot imagine a single day without significant stress. Qi or Blood stagnation can lead to many health issues, depending on which organ or meridian is being impacted. One of the most common symptoms is pain.

Acupuncture points are carefully selected based on each individual’s presenting symptoms. As there are hundreds of points to choose from, you can appreciate how intensive this process can be, resulting in a different combination for nearly every patient a practitioner sees. It is truly a custom approach, and not a one-size fits all treatment.

Musculoskeletal (MSK)/Western Approach

Through this lens, the practitioner considers primarily the anatomical and functional interactions of joints, muscles, and fascia when selecting points to needle.

My colleague and friend Dr. Michelle Jackson, ND wrote an article that does a wonderful job of summarizing the neuroscientific research on acupuncture during her time as an intern at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic. You can read more HERE, but in summary:

• The location of acupuncture points is highly correlated with the path of large nerve bundles or endings and/or are associated with trigger points in the muscles – which are capable of causing significant pain
• Acupuncture can decrease pain signaling bi-directionally between the brain and the body, and decrease the sensation, awareness and/or emotional experience of pain by acting on the limbic system of the brain
• Acupuncture stimulates the body’s production of pain relieving substances (opioids) creating an analgesic effect, and can impact several neurotransmitters (including serotonin and dopamine) – playing a complex role in pain modulation
• Locally the needles increase blood flow– carrying nutrients and other messengers described above as well as anti-inflammatory molecules to specific treatment areas – thereby providing pain relief
  So, you ask, which framework do I follow? I use a combination of both!

I consider a patient’s constitutional picture by reviewing their concerns and taking a complete health history including physical exams. Simultaneously, I choose local points by evaluating the functional patterns at play to provide patients with the greatest possible relief. While it is not a treatment I use in isolation, acupuncture is a great addition to many treatment programs and complements diet and lifestyle interventions as well as herbal supplementation beautifully.

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