The Neuro Acupuncture System

A Neuro-medical and Neuroscience Treatment Modality

Introduction to the Neuro- Acupuncture System

The Neuro-Acupuncture System is an evolution in the understanding and practice of Acupuncture Medicine that incorporates leading edge research and state of the art imaging tools such as MRI’s and PET Scans as well as cutting edge neuroscience, systems biology, molecular biology, cellular biology. These medical sciences have provided tremendous insights and evidence regarding how and why the acupuncture system works on multiple complex issues such as chronic pain, migraines, neuropathies, immune disorders as well as prevention and promoting health.

The Neuro Acupuncture System understanding has been evolving for the past forty years and is still developing. Through the dedication and sharing of knowledge by scientists, researchers and clinicians around the world for over four decades a new theoretical and clinical model of the acupuncture system is emerging. And what science has revealed is remarkable, but not necessarily a surprise for those that practice Acupuncture Medicine - the classical Chinese acupuncture system is an exquisitely sensitive neuro-modulator.

What is Neuro Modulation?

Neuromodulation is the process by which nerve activity is regulated by way of controlling the physiological levels of several classes of neurotransmitters. Many pharmaceuticals provide their effects by altering the way in which the central nervous system (CNS) operates. In this article when we use the term neuro modulation it is defined as stimulation of the nervous system via the Neuro Acupuncture System with fine needles into very specific and designated locations on the body to affect its function for therapeutic purposes.  

How does inserting a needle into the body create a therapeutic effect?

Western Scientists have found when an acupuncture needle is inserted into a very specific and designated location on the body – and mechanical or electrical stimulation is delivered –“ it enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at greater than normal rate”  to the nervous system and multiple brain areas are activated. This activation of brain centers also includes a large portion of the pain related areas in the brain. “These signals start the flow of pain-relief biochemicals, such as endorphins, and of immune system cells to specific sites in the body that are injured or vulnerable to disease.”

The Brain: Central Command Center of the Body

The brain is the central command center of the body and is the largest and most sophisticated pharmacy in the world and among its many jobs is to be your own chemist. The brain produces more than 50 identified active drugs. Some are associated with memory, others with intelligence, still others are sedatives, others are pain blocking opiate like chemicals that associate with opiate specific receptors in the brain. When these neural and neuroactive components are released by the precision needling of an expertly trained Acupuncture Physician, they initiate system wide therapeutic and healing benefits.

A neuroscience and biomedical approach to the classical Traditional Chinese Medical model does not detract from the efficacy of the “traditional acupuncture system.”  It captures the best of both worlds.  It integrates the understanding and application of the neurophysiology and neuroendocrine mechanisms of the acupuncture system with thousands of years of clinical results and wisdom.

What are Neural Acupuncture Units – (NAU)

A Neural Acupuncture Unit – (NAU) was the name proposed by Dr Zhang and his colleagues in 2011 to more accurately convey the properties and function of traditional acupuncture points.  According to Dr. Zhang,  the traditional acupuncture points represent an  anatomical landmark system that indicates the external locations of relatively dense and concentrated neural tissue units that when stimulated enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at greater than normal rate to exquisitely internally complicated systems -the human nervous system, the immune system and the endocrine system.

The Importance of Understanding the Bigger Picture

The Neuro Acupuncture System

Being familiar with only the locations of the NAU’s (neural acupoints) is a partial picture of the much larger complex neuro acupuncture system . As an example, knowing the location of one nerve or several nerves does not give you an understanding of how the nervous system operates and its importance in human health and functioning.  In the same way memorizing the location of one or several NAU does not give you an understanding of the elegance of the neuro acupuncture system and its importance in human health and functioning.

How Does this Help Your Chronic Conditions?

To help the body heal and function optimally it is vital to understand the complete neuro acupuncture system, its internal pathways and where those pathways/tracts terminate in various areas of the brain and organs to activate and/or deactivate the release of brain chemicals to relieve your pain and to help your body heal and repair:

The result is:

More clinically targeted and effective treatments for your condition

Diminished Nervous System Pain Response

Maximize Safe, Natural, Drug Free Pain Management through the activation and releases  of your body’s own natural pain killers, such as endorphins, encephalin, ednomorphin, and dynorphine.

Restoring healing and repair mechanisms of the body such as:

• Decreased inflammation and swelling
• Increased circulation and blood flow to local areas
• Increased range of motion
• Calming/Inflammatory responses in GI system
• Improved organ function  by resetting  dysfunctional visceral autonomic reflexes
• Accelerating the metabolism of toxins
• Promoting relaxation by releasing endorphins which help to reduce physiologic stress throughout the entire body and works through altering the brain’s perception to pain stimulation.

At McDermott Wellness Center we are a leader in the practice this contemporary biomedical and neurophysiology model and understanding  of Acupuncture Medicine. 

Which in turn enables us to provide you with treatment protocols that are personalized, extremely safe, effective, evidenced based, drug free and surgery free solutions for your pain and chronic disease management.

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