I thought this study was very interesting in that it tested insertion of needles at points defined in acupuncture versus just pressure at those points vs sham accupunture at points other than those defined in TCM

Acupuncture relieves cancer chemotherapy fatigue

--- moved this post to a separate thread on energy medicine in general ---

I wonder if different needle depths produce different results? or is it so defined? does it depend on the individual? some people have thinner skin than others.. I would imagine pain threshold would be a factor?

The place that is the acupuncture point is only found at one particular depth. The "deqi" sensation (an ache, nUmbness, warmth, whatever) tells the patient and practitioner when the needle is in the right place. There is no benefit, then, in altering the depth of the needle.

Pain - well, some are more sensitive than others, as with anything, but mostly the needle insertion is painless. The needles are really very fine, and we have a way of inserting them that reduces any sensation.

When I was undergoing acupuncture, there were two spots that were a bit painful but not exceeding so. On the side of my hand in the muscle in the web between the thumb and index finger. And on top of my forearm, near my elbow. Most of the dozens of other acupuncture points, I couldn't feel.

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Mostly, they are painless, as Iggy says.
But, there is one point in the palm of the hand that just plain HURTS, and there is no other way to describe it!

Iggy, you had acupuncture? for what? did it help?

ok.. that makes sense. you go down till you get the body response - the "deqi" sensation - that you are looking for.

then, what do you think is going on when just pressure is used... and still invokes some fraction of the same response?

well, that's good to know..

I don't know what response occurs with pressure only. It is not a technique I have ever used (there is a reason they call us acuPUNCTURists!) but pressure does seem to have an effect in some circumstances.

Xania, when you practice acupuncture.. does it always involve stimulating 2 points? Is the idea that you are stimulating energy flow between the 2 points?

On Xania's advice, I submitted to acupuncture for asthma, and it worked big time. I haven't had acupuncture in about a year and have had no more asthma attacks. I also take a homeopathic when I feel a little wheezing coming on. Arrowwind told me about the homeopathic, Tartephedreel.

My sister has severe asthma, but acupuncture didn't help her, but acupuncture did help her shingles. I think that my sister has been on heavy steroids for so long that her natural steroid production (cortisol) has completely shut down.

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Xania just mentioned that the acupuncture works well with the shingles cases that she has had. so, I guess if you have shingles, acupuncture is something you should try.

also, there are quite a few studies of shingles (herpes zoster) and acupuncture. here is one:

Observation on therapeutic effect of pricking blood therapy combined with acupuncture on herpes zoster

Xania... what is pricking blood therapy? (doesn't sound pleasant...)

Pricking an acupuncture point with a triangular-shaped needle, with the intention of releasing two or three drops of blood. It is helpful in cases of localised pain (eg. following shingles or trauma) To a Western mind, it will be seen as a way of stimulating movement of blood, lymph etc.. An Easterner will see it as releasing an acute obstruction or stagnation. Choose your viewpiont!

I recall an esteemed lecturer on TCM telling us -acupuncture students- that the most elegant treatment is the treatment of one needle! He admitted that he had not yet been able to perform that treatment and neither have I.
But No, it isn't a matter of joining up two areas.
For instance, if someone is having a heart attack and waiting for medical help to arrive, the best acupuncture point to use is Pericardium 7, in the middle of the wrist crease. That will help to ease pain, help the heart to function a little better and and, I have heard, aids long term recovery,

so, Xania, what are you doing when you stimulate a point? or is it not stimulating in the Eastern way of thinking? what are you doing when you insert the needle?

(a lot of questions.. I know, but it is not often that there is an acupuncturist on a forum! and I would like to have a better understanding of what is supposed to be happening according to the Eastern way of thinking).