Acupuncture is something that has mystified and baffled scientists, researchers, and the public for some time. How it works and how it was discovered are debated. Some speak of a warrior who was hit by an arrow in his foot only to find his migraine gone. Recent researchers in China have found interesting results in their studies. According to their research one out of every 4000-5000 individuals is known as "over sensitive". These "over sensitive" people, even with no prior exposure to the acupuncture channels, are able to trace a sensation. These sensations travel the same paths found in ancient acupuncture charts. In stimulating the ends of their fingers and/or toes, the "oversensitive" person notes a traveling sensation similar to mild electricity along the acupuncture channel. During the British Acupuncture Association's conference in October of 1987, Professor Xiang from China presented biophysical verification of the meridian system in mankind and animals. Dr. Xiang used electrical devices in his research which pick up the electrical resistance of the skin. These tools were utilized and the points found were marked with colored dots. These points coincided with the points on the charts of acupuncture channels.

Dr. Xiang and his staff designed another mechanical device that tapped the skin on a consistent basis without human intervention. This test found a sound difference between the points on and off the channels. In a third experiment they attached small lightbulbs to the body. With all direct lighting turned off, there was an actual difference in the illuminations of the light bulbs. The lightbulbs on the channels were brighter than the rest.

At the Neckar Hospital in Paris, France, acupuncture is being used with technology to help in diagnosis. Dr. Darss MD, has injected radioactive isotopes into the acupuncture points and found fascinating results. The isotopes are traced with radiation detecting sensors and are found to move through the body along the acupuncture channels. The movement pattern of the isotopes gives designated information regarding the clients health. With degenerative diseases, the isotopes moved slowly.

Leading scientists in medical research are studying acupuncture and its effectiveness. They have found that a natural substance called cortisol is produced in larger quantity when acupuncture is used. Cortisol is the body's natural cortisone or pain killer. Dr. Richard Chen, MD from Canada, an Allopath (medical doctor) and an Acupuncturist, found that cortisol levels increase with acupuncture causing better performance in athletes. Dr. Timothy McCarthy, MD from Australia, has studied the effects of increased circulation with acupuncture through the use of thermography. Thermography takes a picture of a given area of the body and notes all the temperature changes in that area. Different degrees of temperature register as different colors on the thermal photograph. There are definite improvements in body temperatures after acupuncture. Acupuncture has also been found to increase the white blood cell count when certain points are stimulated. Currently more research is being done to further understand the dynamics of the acupuncture points and channels on the body.

The Case of Oetzi:

Oetzi the Prehistoric Ice Man may have used acupuncture!