Ep. 13: How does acupuncture work? A completely unscientific explanation

Ep. 13: How does acupuncture work? A completely unscientific explanation

Author: Alexa Bradley Hulsey, Licensed Acupuncturist May 3, 2023 Duration: 25:34

Last episode was all about science! This one not so much.

You might recall that last episode of the podcast explored the science of how acupuncture works. Research articles were cited, physiological processes were discussed, long words were used. Today we’re ditching all that and talking about how acupuncture REALLY works. We’ll dive into qi and blood, heat and cold, yin and yang, and all sorts of other interesting concepts that help acupuncturists understand what’s happening in the body. Think of this episode as Year One of acupuncture school condensed into 25 minutes.

So just a refresher…episode 12 discussed the physiological effects of acupuncture in a few key areas: improving circulation, reducing inflammation, regulating the nervous and endocrine systems, increasing endorphins, and modulating brain waves. In today’s episode we look at those key areas and explain an acupuncturist’s perspective on how exactly acupuncture produces all those changes in the body.

While the physiological changes that happen in response to acupuncture are fascinating, it's the theory and philosophy behind it that truly explains its efficacy. Hopefully you’ll enjoy this completely unscientific explanation of the science behind how acupuncture works.

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Ever find yourself wondering what's really happening when those fine needles go in, or how concepts from ancient medicine fit into a modern life? Notes from Your Acupuncturist: Conversations on Acupuncture, Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health is a space for those kinds of questions. Hosted by licensed acupuncturist Alexa Bradley Hulsey, this podcast moves beyond simple explanations to explore the nuanced connections between body, mind, and the environment that form the foundation of holistic health. You'll hear discussions that demystify how acupuncture and Traditional East Asian Medicine approach common ailments, not as isolated symptoms but as part of a larger pattern. The conversations also extend into complementary therapies and thoughtful self-care practices, offering a broader view of what it means to cultivate genuine wellness. It’s for anyone who’s curious, skeptical, or already passionate about alternative paths to well-being and wants to deepen their understanding. Each episode feels like a detailed, personal note from a knowledgeable guide, aiming to provide practical insights and perspective you can use in your own journey. Tune in for a grounded, accessible take on integrating these timeless principles into contemporary living.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 29

Notes from Your Acupuncturist: Conversations on Acupuncture, Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 16: Currents of qi: A journey along the acupuncture meridians [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:46
Meridians. They’re where the qi flows, where the acupoints are located, and what we tap into with acupuncture needles… But like, what ARE they?Acupuncturists tend to use analogies to describe meridians. Meridians are lik…
Ep. 15: Can acupuncture help you lose weight? Not really. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:09
Recently my daily Google news alert for acupuncture has been blowing up with headlines about new research showing that acupuncture may help you lose weight. Can it really? Today’s episode of the podcast takes a closer lo…
Ep. 12: Exploring the Science of How Acupuncture Works [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:33
Today on the podcast I’m answering another frequently asked question about acupuncture: How does it work? Now, I love talking about qi and meridians and Chinese Medicine theory, but today’s show is all about exploring th…
Acupuncture for Infertility and IVF with Jerusha DeGroote Stephens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:47
“After my first IVF patient got pregnant, I was so inspired by helping people grow their families. I was like, this feels like I’m really helping people, in a way that’s beyond placebo, beyond pain. It’s a continuation.…
Ep. 8: Does it hurt? Exploring the sensations of acupuncture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:08
It’s the most frequently asked of all the frequently asked questions about acupuncture…is it painful?Become a paid subscriber! Visit https://notesfromyouracupuncturist.substack.comToday’s episode of the podcast is a list…