What are histamines?

In the skin, histamines are chemical messengers that are stored in the white blood cells (mast cells and basophils). They are released as part of the inflammation process in response to allergens and injury. Histamines cause local blood vessels to dilate, which allows more blood to reach the affected area. This is the primary reason we see the increased redness and warmth around the acupuncture needle site. The release of histamines also causes blood vessels to become more porous, allowing white blood cells and blood plasma proteins to leave the bloodstream and repair the impacted tissue.

What happens if histamines are overactive?

When histamine is released in excessive amounts or accumulates faster than our bodies can break it down, a range of symptoms can occur. This may include itchy skin, hives, digestive discomfort, nasal congestion, headaches, brain fog, etc. In the springtime, seasonal allergens can cause a surge in histamine levels, which is why many people choose to take an antihistamine medication to block the effects of histamine and reduce their congestion or sneezing. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), which is often influenced by genetic mutations, is a condition where mast cells become overactive and release histamine at an excessive rate. While redness around the site is normal, excessively red, and/or significantly itchy skin around an inserted acupuncture needle may be an indication of a more serious underlying condition.

Why is a histamine response encouraged in acupuncture?

Acupuncture needles cause a micro injury to the skin which activates the histamine response in our bodies. In addition to increasing blood flow and oxygen to the area, histamine also serves as a neuromodulator for pain. The release of histamine activates nearby sensory nerve endings, and these nerves then send signals to the spinal cord and brain. The brain responds through the release of endorphins and other descending, pain-inhibiting signals.

How long do the effects of histamine last?

Lingering, mild skin redness post-acupuncture treatment can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days, depending on the individual. In time, the redness will decrease on its own, and no interventions such as heat, ice or topicals are necessary.聽This is a sign that the body鈥檚 histamine response has been activated and there is no need for concern.

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Ashi Point Therapy

What we refer to as trigger points in the West have historically been referred to as 鈥淎shi points鈥� in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Similar to dry needling, an acupuncturist may decide to utilize Ashi point therapy, placing the needles directly into spots of tension to break up and calm down muscular and connective tissue. The needle creates a micro injury that causes the tissues to twitch and reset, which ultimately increases blood flow, restores mobility and releases pain-relieving chemicals. This method is especially effective if you want an immediate release of the local tissue.

The Balance Method

The Balance Method, developed by Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan, utilizes distal points (located on the arms, legs, hands, and feet) that are located far away from the site of pain. In clinics around the world today, an evolved version of Dr. Tan’s method, referred to as X-shaped balance acupuncture, is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions. For right knee pain, the needles are placed in the left elbow region. When treating left shoulder pain, the needles are placed near the right gluteal base. For right foot issues, the needles are placed in the left hand (left ankle, right wrist; right bicep, left quadricep; left forearm, right shin; etc.). From an anatomical perspective, the planes of our connective and muscular tissue are organized in an X-shaped fashion. This method is especially effective in addressing a chronic, dysfunctional muscular pattern.

Clinical Evidence聽

Recent studies (see linked articles) have shown support for the effectiveness of both balance acupuncture and acupuncture when treating musculoskeletal conditions.

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What Studies Show

When conducting acupuncture studies, participants are typically divided into three groups: a verum acupuncture group, a sham acupuncture group and a control group that does not receive any acupuncture at all. The verum (meaning 鈥渢ruth鈥� in Latin) group receives acupuncture via the meridian system, meaning that needles will only be placed in the proper manner and location in accordance with TCM treatment strategy. Sham acupuncture typically involves placing needles in places of the body that do not fall on the meridian pathways. The control group typically involves receiving no needles at all.

Brain imaging technology, such as resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), is a type of MRI that measures changes in blood oxygenation to infer functional connectivity between brain regions. The rs-fMRI can be used in studies to evaluate the increased brain connectivity pattern that is established as a result of verum acupuncture treatment. Fluorescent dyes are utilized in medicine as molecular tools, as they absorb light of a specific wavelength and emit it at a longer wavelength, which is what causes them to glow. The injection of fluorescent dye into verum acupuncture points on the human body results in the dye lighting up not just in that area, but also along its corresponding meridian pathway, while dyed sham acupuncture points remain local to their injection site.

Resources for Exploration

If you are interested in the specifics of acupuncture studies that use this technology, check out these two randomized controlled clinical trials:

and

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Core Philosophy

In TCM, all phenomena in the universe can be categorized as either yin or yang. Together, they serve as a dynamic, interconnected cycle of change that is simultaneously responsible for maintaining equilibrium. The practice of Tai Chi is a physical embodiment of this yin-yang balance. At any point in time within the practice, one should not be fully contracted nor fully expanded, fully in motion nor fully still. This results in the continuous flow of soft and balanced movement that is needed for Tai Chi.

Styles

The major traditional styles of tai chi are: Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun and Wu/Hao. The core principles remain the same across styles, but they vary in sequencing, pacing, stance, footwork, appearance, etc. Chen style, for example, is the oldest style and has the closest relationship with martial arts. Yang style is the most popular and regularly practiced due to the efficiency of its simplified 24-forms.

Health Benefits

While not as culturally popular in the West, Tai Chi is finding its way into fitness clubs and parks in the U.S. The activity is suitable for all ages and fitness levels given its slow pace and lack of resistance. Recent studies show that Tai Chi improves mobility, strength and *, while reducing stress levels and blood pressure. The Sun style is commonly recommended for reducing both arthritis and the risk of falls in elderly populations.

Chek out this basic one-minute .

*Proprioception is often called the body鈥檚 鈥渟ixth sense鈥� 鈥� the subconscious ability to sense one鈥檚 own body position, movement and force in space. It relies on specialized sensory receptors in the muscles and joints to let you perform everyday activities, such as walking or typing without looking. (Source: WebMD)

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