As acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine continue to perform clinically, (as they have for at least three thousand years), much speculation has centered on how it really works.  Even these days, when I run in to people who say they do not "believe" in acupuncture, I counter by informing them that that point of view is no longer an option, as there is an enormous amount of research and information, both in the Western scientific world and from China, proving its solid efficacy. (And, I have been practicing this medicine for over 20 years and you would think if it didn't work I would have figured it out by now!)  To be the comprehensive medicine that it is, and to make all of the physiological, functional changes it is responsible for, there must be a whole lot going on and there is.   

My favorite part of Chinese Medicine is the experience of the acupuncture treatment.  It can be extremely relaxing, and definitely a mood-enhancer. (And thus my only sometimes tongue-in-cheek call for the use of acupuncture recreationally!) This, in and of itself, is healing, but what is going on physiologically?

As I am currently focused on its use for mental and emotional issues, two things that have been proven in terms of what happens during acupuncture is that endorphins are released from the brain, and serotonin levels are increased.  Endorphins are the body's natural pain-killing opiates, and serotonin is another well-studied neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and is also known as a "happiness hormone." For more info about each

of these and their role in the acupuncture response, click here and here!

As indicated in my last newsletter, I attended the NET basic training earlier this month. I continue to be excited at its possibilities and think it could well be the missing link in treatment.

As I wrote previously, CM sees the emotions as the greatest source of illness.  These emotions include past emotional trauma that is currently unconscious/unremembered along with those on the surface that are easy to identify.  With the tool of NET, the unconscious emotions are accessible, identified, and able to be cleared.  This has great potential for improving results in treatment.

And, it is not necessary to have a physical problem as a point of entry to take advantage of NET. Any negatively charged emotion or situation can be a doorway into the process, as can any goal one has, as any restrictions of past emotional trauma that may be in the way can be identified and cleared.

In addition, it is inherent in the NET process that other factors beyond the emotions are contributing causes of illness and can be identified.

From the official brochure:  "Neuro Emotional Technique ™ is based on a proven combination of the latest scientific research and centuries-old techniques used in Eastern healing. By acknowledging the relationship between the body's emotional health, environmental toxicity, nutritional balance and structural integrity, appreciative patients around the world enjoy better health and well-being."

I encourage you to go to the website for more information.  There is plenty there including videos.  If you go to the "practitioner" section also, you will also be lead to research articles, yet more videos, and a couple of interviews with NET originator Scott Walker.

NADA, The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, has been around for over 25 years, I did the training myself in 1989.  It began in New York at the Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx as  part of their addictions recovery program.  It has since enjoyed great success, both as a technique to help with recovery (appropriate in the detox from multiple substances), and also as a model that has applicability to other institutions and settings.  In their years in existence, NADA has trained over 25,000 technicians in their signature auricular protocol (ear acupuncture) and has influenced similar services being offered in over 2,000 clinics and settings world wide.  The US military is currently using this style treatment with veterans with PTSD, and Acupuncturists Without Borders uses the protocol in their trauma and disaster recovery work.  It is also used in many psychiatric hospitals for both in and out-patients, and in prisons and court-diversion programs.  This non-profit organization deserves enormous recognition as they do great work, and all cheaply, easily, efficiently, and without side effects.  I recommend a look at their website for more information, and while there, you can make a donation and sign up for their newsletter.  And, if you care to see some scientific research on acupuncture, substance detoxification, and endorphins and serotonin, click right here!  Thank you NADA!