3bda2b8bee86485d9c5b8a7d2111c89e

How Acupuncture Works: From Energy Flow to Embryology

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:45:31 GMT

Sarah Fisk

Oct 20th 2025

How Acupuncture Works: From Energy Flow to Embryology

Have you ever wondered how acupuncture actually works?

At Rowan Acupuncture in Leicester, we blend the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern scientific insight to help your body find its natural balance.

Acupuncture encourages the body to reconnect, rebalance, and heal itself naturally , using precise points that influence the body’s energy, nerves, and circulation.

The Traditional Chinese Perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body’s energy — known as Qi (pronounced “chee”) — flows through a network of pathways called meridians .

"This energy is the force that enlivens every cell. Our bodies are made up of energy that flows in patterns of electricity. All our cells and tissues conduct and transfer energy through protein molecules, giving us life. This energetic source flows throughout every aspect of our organs empowering the process that link them as well. This electromagnetic force directs every chemical and hormonal release". Randine Lewis *

When Qi moves smoothly, we feel calm, energised, and well.
When it becomes blocked or depleted, symptoms like pain, tension, or fatigue can appear.

Acupuncture gently restores this flow, supporting balance across the whole body — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The Modern Scientific Perspective

Modern research shows that acupuncture affects the nervous system, hormones, immune response, and circulation .
Each point acts like a communication switch, sending messages that help the body:

Reduce pain and inflammation
Balance hormones and mood
Improve sleep and digestion
Calm the stress response
Promote natural healing

In essence, acupuncture helps your body reboot and regulate itself , supporting well-being from within.

Map of the Acupuncture Channels

Map of the Lymphatic System

The Embryology Connection

From the earliest stages of development in the womb, our bodies form along lines of communication where nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues grow together.

This mesodermal tissue (which becomes fascia, muscle, bone, and connective tissue) forms continuous planes throughout the body.

"As the embryo develops, certain cells coalesce along what look like fold lines. As cells continue to differentiate along fold lines, they become the organs and organ systems. Why is this important? Because remnants of embryonic folds remain in our bodies even after organ systems are formed and modern researchers in Chinese medicine believe that the embryonic folds become energy meridians" Randine Lewis *
These same pathways match the meridians described in ancient Chinese medicine — the body’s original “energy highways.”

Electrical conductivity and piezoelectric properties in fascia may explain how stimulation at one point affects distant regions.

Stimulating an acupuncture point reawakens these connections, helping systems communicate clearly and work in harmony again.

Embryonic cell division called cleavage

Further cell division

Cells coalesce along what look like fold lines

The Modern Scientific Perspective

Modern research shows that acupuncture affects the nervous system, hormones, immune response, and circulation.
Each point acts like a communication switch, sending messages that help the body:

Nervous system

Stimulates sensory nerves → modulates spinal cord, brainstem, limbic system → changes pain perception, mood, and autonomic balance

Endocrine system

Balances hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), modulating stress hormones, thyroid, reproductive hormones

Immune system

Alters cytokine activity → reduces inflammation and enhances immune regulation

Circulatory system

Improves microcirculation, tissue oxygenation, and lymphatic drainage

Connective tissue / Fascia

Mechanical signal transduction through fascial network — influencing local and systemic function

In essence, acupuncture helps your body reboot and regulate itself , supporting well-being from within.

What You May Feel During Treatment

Many patients describe feeling relaxed, calm, and more grounded after acupuncture.
You may also notice:

Improved energy
Clearer thinking
Better sleep
Relief from tension or discomfort

These sensations show that your body is shifting from stress mode into rest, repair, and balance .

In Essence

Acupuncture is both ancient and modern — a bridge between energy and science.
It supports your body’s natural intelligence, helping you reconnect with your own healing potential.

At Rowan Acupuncture, we offer gentle, effective treatments to restore balance naturally and help you feel your best.

Acknowledgements to:

Randine Lewis Ph.D. -The Infertility Cure & master of Science in Oriental Medicine

The Magic of Moxibustion

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:52:30 GMT

Sarah Fisk

Jan 15th 2025

The Magic of Moxibustion.

The History

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the burning of dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near or on specific points of the body. It has been used alongside acupuncture & as a standalone therapy for over 2,500 years. An old Chinese saying was ‘Moxa is the master, the needle is the pupil’. In reference to timelines, it is believed that moxa pre-dates any historical findings of acupuncture was commonly used is medical practices, since about 500BCE.

The Magic of Moxibustion.

The History

Helping the body heal itself

The Mugwort leaf can produce moxa 'wool' after drying and grinding, which is then made into small sticks or cones called moxa (similar to incense), which are then lit and used to warm points on the body.

Because of it's amazing ability to promote the flow of Qi and Blood we can use moxa to boost immunity, tiredness and fatigue, support cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and its side affects, fertility issues, impotence, libido, aches, pains and much more

How It Works

By stimulating and nourishing the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood “Moxibustion can travel through the 12 meridians, which carry energy throughout the body,” Dr. Nguyen says. “It is able to regulate Qi and Blood, dispel Cold, w arm Y ang and prevent diseases to maintain overall well-being.”

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the concepts of Yin and Yang balance each other, but imbalances can lead to illness. “When Yang becomes deficient, then there may be an increase in Cold,” Dr. Nguyen* explains.

Cold in the channels is seen as pathogenic and can lead to the stagnation of Blood & Qi, which in turn can lead to issues such as muscular & joint discomfort, fertility problems, immune weakness and much more.

The same can be said of Yin deficiency, where we see Heat as the pathogen causing issues such as inflammation, digestive problems, high blood pressure, headaches etc

* Thuy Kim Nguyen, DAOM, LAc .

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/moxibustion

Experimental results showed that moxibustion thermal stimulation affects both shallow and deep tissues of the skin, and the warm-heat effects of moxibustion have a close relation to the warm receptors or/and the polymodal receptor.

The burning moxa radiation spectrum ranges from 0.8 to 5.6 μm; peak is nearby 1.5 μm, lying within the near infrared (NIR) portion. There is an amazing consistency in the infrared spectrums of three types of indirect moxibustion and the unified spectrum of acupoints; all have their peaks of radiation near 10 μm.

Lots of ingredients had been identified from mugwort leaves and moxa smoke, which have a variety of biological activities; they were considered to participate in the comprehensive effects of moxibustion.

The NIR can induce some active substances produced within the tissues, after being absorbed by connective tissue, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and nerves under the irradiated skin. This then distributes to other parts of the body with the blood circulation, and enhance the metabolism and thermogenesis of organs they reached.

NIR can also energise the metabolism of cells. The energy generated by the photoelectric effect and photochemical process passes through the nerve-humoral system providing the activation for the pathological cells lacking energy and then further adjusting the body's immune and neurological functions.

The Mechanism of Moxibustion: Ancient Theory and Modern Research

NCBI 2013: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3789413/#abstract1

The Research

A 2020 review published in the Journal of Chinese Medicine, by Alice Douglas, summarised further research, concluding that the evidence showed moxa:

· Increases blood flow & metabolism & increases elasticity in connective tissue.
· Stimulates deeper levels into the body, increasing cellular activity, due to the prominence of near infrared radiation.
· Reduces inflammation & appropriate cell apoptosis (cell death).
· Acts as an antioxidant, antiviral & has antifungal properties.

So it’s great for:

Alleviating pain: Musculoskeletal issues & arthritis.
Improving circulation: Cardiovascular & arterial health, tiredness & fatigue.
Boosting immunity: Strengthening the body's defences against colds & viruses.
Gynaecological issues: Supporting fertility treatments right through to breech presentation during pregnancy. Soothes menstrual pain & balances menopause symptoms.

The Final Word

Dr. Nguyen explains. If you can find a moxibustion practitioner, it’s a worthy addition to your wellness treatment.

“Performing moxibustion with acupuncture can increase its effectiveness,” she says. “And if you’re not able to do acupuncture, moxibustion should be your next choice, given its ability to penetrate the 12 meridians.”

I totally agree, I love the addition of Moxa to my treatment and my patients love the warming relief and nourishment it brings..

"I find moxa as part of my treatment really beneficial" V. Parkinson

To learn more call or email for a free 20 min consultation.
sarah@rowanacupuncture.co.uk 07931524566

How Acupuncture Can Support Addiction

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:02:22 GMT

Sarah Fisk

June 8th 2024

How Acupuncture Can Support Addiction

No one thing causes addiction, rather it is a complicated mix of factors that combine. Addiction is complex and can include substances such as food, alcohol, nicotine, narcotics etc and the cause will be subtly different from one person to another. Evidence shows that many people who suffer with addiction have similar issues in common.

New paragraph

How Acupuncture Can Help

As acupuncturists we believe the body has the ability to overcome disease, however in this modern world of fast paced life styles, pollution, technology, toxic substances and ‘fast food’, the body struggles with it’s natural ability to heal itself.

Treatment is primarily focused on the root cause, which can be deep seated and may not have an obvious link to the addiction.

Acupuncture aims to restore homeostasis. This is the bodies’ natural ability to respond and adapt, healing against external stressors via environmental factors or internally from emotional or psychological disruptions.

How Is Acupuncture Used In Addiction Treatment?

In the West, Acupuncture has been effectively used in treatment for addiction since the 1970’s, when it was first introduced as a method for treating addiction in the Lincoln Memorial Hospital in New York.

The doctors at this hospital found it so effective as a treatment for heroin addiction that instead of prescribing methadone they began performing acupuncture instead.

This led to the formation of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) in 1985 by Michael O. Smith, one of the doctors at the Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol already utilises Auricular (ear) Acupuncture points to assist the body with detoxifying and also improving symptoms that the patient may be exhibiting as a result of stopping their substance of choice.

The use of acupuncture in addiction treatment is now widespread and has been accepted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) .

Evidence For Addiction

· Acupuncture is believed to reduce positive reinforcements by decreasing the dopamine release when the drug is used. Without the dopamine surge, the person experiences less of a ‘high’.

· Treatment can decrease withdrawal symptoms, such as dysphoria and distress, by inhibiting gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurone and increase the release of dopamine.

This flood of dopamine can improve mood and alleviate these withdrawal symptoms.

· Acupuncture decreases the positive/negative reinforcements of addiction and reduces drug use.

Studies (2021, Lee) have shown control groups who did not receive Acupuncture treatments revealed a marked increase of substance use, whereas the AA/NADA treatment group showed marked and significant decrease in drug/alcohol use.

Hand In Hand Therapies

As well as medication there are various different addiction therapies which can be complemented by acupuncture.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help individuals learn how to manage their thoughts and emotions better.

Another is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), used to help process the emotions associated with trauma, but auricular acupuncture can help to ease some of these emotions. This can make it easier for you to talk about your experiences in EMDR sessions.

Benefits Of Acupuncture As A Treatment For Addiction

Pharmaceutical free treatment is a considerable strength of acupuncture since medication always carries the risk of side-effects.

A reduction in anxiety & stress levels
Fewer cravings
A reduction of withdrawal symptoms
Decreased need for prescribed medications
Greater feelings of control
Improved sleeping patterns
Increased relaxation, less mood swings
Feeling energised and refreshed

When one considers that all of these advantages can be obtained without drugs or medication, the slight risk that acupuncture may not work for every addict seems insignificant. Treatment is designed to affect your whole being as well as your symptoms so, patients may notice other health problems resolve and an increased feeling of wellbeing.

If you would like help with any issues, you feel you would like to move on from, please get in touch at:

sarah@rowanacupuncture.co.uk www.rowanacupuncture.co.uk

Five Element Acupuncture, Bringing you Back to Harmony

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 16:44:24 GMT

Sarah Fisk

Sept 23rd 2023

Five Element Acupuncture, Bringing You Back to Harmony

Ancient Chinese philosophers and practitioners observed that the energy of the universe is divided into five movements, and the life force that flows through them. These movements are described as natures ‘Elements’ : Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal.

New paragraph

Each of us has a blend of all the Elements but has a particular association with an individual Element. Nora Franglen, an accomplished acupuncturist and author, calls this our ‘ Guardian Element’, which can portray our strengths and weaknesses . It is usually our Guardian Element which is constitutionally more imbalanced than others.

The Balance

We are Unique

More about Five Element Acupuncture

I often lend Nora Franglens ‘The Simple Guide to Five Element Acupuncture’ to my patients. It's a lovely little pocket size introduction, giving the reader a quick summary, enabling them to resonate with a particular Element.

‘Healing your Emotions’ by Hicks and Hicks is also a good read and has little exercises allowing you to discover your Guardian Element.

Get in touch

To find out more about how Five Element Acupuncture could help you, get in touch

and I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

To live our life in balance requires us to live that life in

tune with our Elements demands. When we run true to its

needs, we find direction in life which is fruitful”.

Nora Franglen 2014

3bda2b8bee86485d9c5b8a7d2111c89e

How Acupuncture Works: From Energy Flow to Embryology

How Acupuncture Works: From Energy Flow to Embryology

The Traditional Chinese Perspective

The Modern Scientific Perspective

The Embryology Connection

The Modern Scientific Perspective

What You May Feel During Treatment ﻿

In Essence

The Magic of Moxibustion

The Magic of Moxibustion.

The Magic of Moxibustion.

The Mechanism of Moxibustion: Ancient Theory and Modern Research

How Acupuncture Can Support Addiction

Five Element Acupuncture, Bringing you Back to Harmony

What You May Feel During Treatment