Acupuncture

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture aims to restore balance in the body by stimulating points along meridians which coincide with areas rich in blood vessels, nerves, and tissue. Stimulation at these points sends signals that reduce inflammation, inhibit pain pathways, and stimulate a variety of neurotransmitters providing immediate and long-term relief. This leads to benefits such as pain relief, muscle relaxation, anti-inflammatory effects, and immune regulation among many others. Acupuncture meridians have unique properties relating to electricity, heat, sound, light, and magnetism which are absent in other body areas, supporting the existence of these meridians.

For the science nerds 🤓

During acupuncture, blood vessels, mast cells, and nerve fibers are stimulated, sending signals to the body to reduce inflammation and inhibit certain pathways associated with pain. This leads to immediate and long-term pain relief by affecting spinal microglia and astrocytes. Acupuncture also influences the brain's pain modulation system, involving various neurotransmitters like endogenous opioids, serotonin, and glutamate, among others. Studies have indicated that acupuncture has various actions, such as analgesic, muscle relaxing, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant actions, with biological mechanisms that influence the nervous system, intestinal flora, immune regulation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation.

Put simply, Acupuncture has the following effects: