More and more people are turning to Chinese medicine and acupuncture due to its proven effectiveness to treat a variety of common and chronic health conditions. In this post, we answer “How does acupuncture work?” and other common questions about this ancient treatment. 

While rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has become widely accepted in many countries and is often integrated into conventional medical practices, particularly for managing chronic pain and other health conditions. Read on to learn:

• What is acupuncture? 
• What does an acupuncture treatment involve?
• How does acupuncture work?
• What does acupuncture treat? 

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture finds its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. As an ancient practice that’s been used for at least 2,500 years, acupuncture aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. In doing so, it helps to restore balance to the flow of energy, or “qi.” The practice involves inserting tiny needles into targeted points on the body.

Acupuncture is based on the concept that health is sustained by the harmonious flow of energy through pathways called meridians in the body. Pain or illness can occur when the flow of energy is disrupted in the body. Acupuncturists aim to rebalance the body’s energy by stimulating and opening up the flow of energy of specific points along these meridians.

In Western medicine, acupuncture is often explained as a method to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, which may trigger the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins. This alternative therapy is commonly used for pain management, but it has also gained popularity for overall wellness and stress management.

What does an acupuncture treatment involve?

An acupuncture procedure typically involves:

1. Inserting thin steel needles into the skin at strategic locations
2. Manual manipulation or stimulation of the needles
3. Targeting specific areas such as the back, neck, head, and face

What does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat a variety of illnesses and health challenges. Some of the conditions we use acupuncture to treat at Roman’s include:

• Chronic pain
• Sinus infections
• Allergies
• Infertility
• Sports injuries
• PMS
• Anxiety
• Mental health and mood imbalances
• Chronic fatigue
• Muscle tension
• Nausea
• Stress
• Insomnia 
• Acupuncture for weight loss
• Facial acupuncture for rejuvenation
• Autoimmune disease (i.e., Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
• Digestive issues (i.e., IBS, acid reflux)
• Pediatric health
• Skin conditions (i.e., acne)

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture has gained in popularity and recognition due to its effectiveness in treating chronic pain and other health conditions. Many have turned to acupuncture instead of or as a complementary treatment to traditional treatments for a variety of conditions.

Acupuncture’s mechanisms for pain and symptom relief are multifaceted and involve both local and systemic effects on the body. Below, we highlight some ways acupuncture helps heal and align the body. 

Neurological mechanisms

Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system in several ways:

1. It activates local spinal inhibitory and supraspinal circuits that produce descending inhibition, suppressing pain transmission.
2. The practice stimulates the release of endogenous opioid peptides and other chemical mediators that can reduce pain sensitivity.
3. Acupuncture has been shown in research to affect areas of the brain known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, which promotes relaxation.

Biochemical effects

Acupuncture triggers various biochemical responses that contribute to pain relief:

1. It stimulates the release of endogenous corticosteroids, which can help reduce inflammation and pain.
2. The treatment increases the release of adenosine at the site of needling, producing local pain reduction.
3. It increases the production of natural pain-relieving substances, like endorphins.

Local and systemic benefits

Acupuncture’s effects extend beyond neurological and biochemical changes:

1. It may increase local blood flow to the treated area, potentially initiating or catalyzing the healing process.
2. The practice can induce relaxation of “stuck” myofibrils within tissue planes, similar to the effect of injecting painful trigger points.
3. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation, which may explain its pain-relieving properties.

What does the research say about the effects of acupuncture?

Research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effectiveness in various pain conditions:

1. Studies show that acupuncture can help ease chronic lower back pain, tension headaches, and migraines. Additionally, 85% of the effects of acupuncture were still found to be present a year later. 
2. A major study involving 570 patients found that acupuncture can relieve pain and improve movement in osteoarthritis of the knee.
3. A systematic review showed small but statistically significant improvements in pain intensity for acute low back pain when compared to sham acupuncture or anti-inflammatory medications.

Acupuncture treatment key takeaways

• Acupuncture is a healing treatment that involves inserting needles into targeted points on the body with the goal of alleviating symptoms and promoting healing.
• It’s used to treat a variety of conditions, from chronic pain to nausea to stress.
• Acupuncture is proven safe and effective when performed by a qualified practitioner.
• Acupuncture has minimal to no side effects.
• Acupuncture continues to be studied for increased understanding in how it works, though there is plenty of research that has shown its effectiveness for various conditions.
• Acupuncture is often used as part of a whole-body or holistic approach to health and wellbeing, along with other treatments and lifestyle changes.
• Results can vary, and it may take several sessions to notice significant improvements.
• Always choose a licensed, qualified acupuncturist, and be honest about your medical history and medications.
• Acupuncture is not a cure-all but can be a valuable tool in managing many health conditions and promoting overall wellness.
• Roman’s treats hundreds of patients with acupuncture to alleviate symptoms of more than a dozen health conditions and challenges

Schedule an acupuncture consultation 

If you’re still seeking more information around “How does acupuncture work?” consider scheduling a consultation to find out if it’s the right treatment for you. 

If you’re in the Morgantown, WV or surrounding areas, contact Roman’s Wellness today to schedule an acupuncture appointment or consultation to learn more!