Demystifying Acupuncture: How Exactly Does Acupuncture Work?

How exactly does acupuncture work? There’s a complex series of physiological events that
occur when you’re resting on a treatment table with thin needles stuck in your body.
Acupuncture is not magic. Research is demystified the biophysical effects of acupuncture
and demonstrating that it acts on several systems including your central nervous system
and endocrine system. Acupuncture elicits an anti-inflammatory response, triggers the
release of hormones, neurotransmitters and complex cellular communication throughout
your body.

Nearly half a century later, acupuncture is now one of the most popular and effective
holistic therapies for treating fertility and chronic pain issues. You will find acupuncture
incorporated into integrative pain clinics, cancer centers and fertility centers around the
country. You may have recently heard that the American College of Physicians now
recommends acupuncture, among other non-invasive modalities, for the treatment of
chronic back pain.

Boost endorphins for pain control
When a needle is inserted into your skin you may feel a slight pinch and then a radiating
tingling or sensation of heaviness in your limb. The ancient Chinese described this feeling
as the movement of “qi” throughout your body. You can think of qi as your breath, your
circulatory and cardiovascular system. Qi gives you energy and vitality (your “oomph”).
Health is achieved when qi flows smoothly throughout the body. Conversely, disease
arises when the flow of qi is disrupted, for example, by stress, emotional or physical
trauma, poor diet or infection. How does this movement of qi translate into our
understanding of Western medicine?

Research shows that acupuncture triggers your nervous system to release beta-
endorphins, your “feel good chemicals.” These are important in pain management
because they produce a morphine-like effect. When beta-endorphins are released, they
are attracted like a lock and key for a receptor in your body that helps to decrease your
perception of pain. Beta-endorphins flood your system and cause you to feel pleasure,
relaxation and even a sense of euphoria. You’ve likely experienced a quick rush of
endorphins during exercise, eating chocolate or when laughing uncontrollably. Your beta-
endorphin level remains elevated twenty-four hours after an acupuncture session.
Therefore, if you suffer from chronic pain issues, having treatments a few days apart will
give your body the boost it needs to heal.

Researchers are investigating acupuncture using functional magnetic resonance imaging
(fMRI) to see how acupuncture affects regions of the brain. Most recently an fMRI study
demonstrated that acupuncture decreased pain from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Hormone Regulation

Acupuncture supports a wide range of women’s health issues from irregular
menstruation, painful periods and polycystic ovary syndrome to name a few. Acupuncture
acts on your hypothalamus-pituitary-axis (HPA)—your brain’s master controller of
hormone function. The same beta-endorphins involved in pain relief also trigger a cascade
of reproductive hormones from the HPA. This has a direct involvement in the balance of
two specific hormones—follicular stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone—that
control your menstrual cycle.

Acupuncture is effective for fertility issues because it normalizes reproductive hormones
and increases blood supply to the uterus making the uterine lining an optimal
environment for embryo implantation.

Calming the stress response
It’s quite common to feel deep relaxation during an acupuncture treatment, to fall asleep
or experience a lull in mind racing thoughts. Acupuncture works to calm your nervous
system, again, through the release of beta-endorphins and various other mood enhancing
chemicals. Acupuncture is known to reduce cortisol levels (your stress hormone) and to
elevate serotonin levels, the chemical that boosts your mood, improves digestion, sleep
and cognitive function. There are some studies that suggest that acupuncture may
alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. According researchers at Stanford
University School of Medicine acupuncture should be considered for treating depression
during pregnancy.

While acupuncture is rooted in ancient traditional medicine it is now also making a mark
on conventional medicine. Research confirms that acupuncture exerts a physiological
effect to promote healing. The demand for holistic medicine has increased and people are
seeking non-invasive, non-pharmacological interventions for treating chronic health
issues.

Acupuncture should be an essential component to your treatment plan if you are dealing
with chronic pain, trying to overcome fertility issues, or suffer from constant stress.