How does acupuncture work?

In its simplest form, acupuncture is described as the insertion of extremely fine, sterile needles into specific points or regions of the body. In an Eastern medicine sense, acupuncture is believed to work by restoring or maintaining the balance of Qi (energy). When the body’s Qi is balanced, the body is healthy. However, the flow of Qi can become stagnated or deficient, which results in illness or pain. By stimulating the body’s innate healing response, balance can be achieved.

There have been many attempts by modern science to quantify just how acupuncture works. What we have discovered is there is not one factor, but several simultaneous reactions involving different physiological systems, therefore allowing acupuncture to have profound and lasting effects. Acupuncture has been shown to promote vasodilation (increased blood flow), stimulate the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, and stimulate the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (your rest and digest state), resulting in deep relaxation. Acupuncture has also been shown to invoke an analgesic (pain relieving) effect by altering the body’s own natural pain-relieving system, utilising the body’s innate and wide range of anti-inflammatory chemicals, immune system enhancers and hormones, without the need for outside medication. Acupuncture works on the central nervous system to encourage a cascade of responses in the body to achieve and maintain homeostasis, therefore, easing disease and discomfort.