Acupuncture Points & the Pituitary Gland

No longer than a pea, the pituitary gland plays a critical role in the endocrine system, overseeing the function of all the other glands. The pituitary gland is situated beside the hypothalamus area of the brain and attached by nerve fibers. From its seat at the bottom of the brain, it produces hormones vital to life processes. Acupuncture can aid healthy pituitary function 56. Before seeking complementary or alternative treatment for pituitary conditions, consult with your primary health care provider and an endocrinology specialist.

Pituitary Gland Issues

Symptoms that demonstrate irregular hormone levels can indicate pituitary gland problems. The most common cause of pituitary dysfunction is a pituitary tumor.

About Acupuncture

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Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine 24. Whereas Western science often identifies disease at a cellular level or in terms of contagion, TCM understands disease as an imbalance in vital energy, known as qi. An acupuncturist triggers healing by stimulating specific points of the body with thin needles. These points correspond to energetic pathways, known as meridians, and when activated, they can remove blocked energy or restore balance. Though Western medical science has a different framework than TCM, scientific testing regularly demonstrates acupuncture's effectiveness. With regard to the pituitary gland, one general effect of acupuncture is the release of hormones from the pituitary gland that relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Acupuncture and the Pituitary

TCM explains imbalances and disease in terms of contrasting pairs of qualities, such as heat and cold, dampness and dryness, lack and excess. For example, pituitary problems may be explained in terms of lack and excess. Of the many points associated with the pituitary gland, the Spleen 2 is used for increasing height and the Large Intestine 1 is useful for strengthening the pituitary and the thyroid glands.

Scientific Trials

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Multiple scientific studies have identified the potential beneficial effects of acupuncture on pituitary function. Researchers at Shanghai Medical University published a study in "Acupuncture and Electrotherapeutics Research Journal" that found electroacupuncture regularized the secretion of various hormones. According to a 2011 study published in the journal "Cellular and Molecular Biology," acupuncture at the Heart 7 point might reduce anxiety-related disorders caused by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system 16.