Acupuncture regulates Qi (vital energy) to promote health and wellbeing, when Qi is strong and flowing smoothly our bodies are healthy and free from pain, but how does acupuncture actually work in physiological terms? In recent years there have been many studies of the mechanisms of action (how effects are achieved) of acupuncture, involving the use of electrodes, MRI and scanners as well as measuring hormone levels before and after treatment. Acupuncture has substantial general effects on the production of neuro transmitters and hormones (the body’s chemical messengers). It stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals, stimulates serotonin (mood regulator) production and down regulates (reduces) cortisol stress hormone. In addition it has been shown that specific acupuncture points have differing affects on the body and brain. Acupuncture works through the fascia (a thin, flexible layer of connective tissue that surrounds and supports every organ, muscle, bone, blood vessel, and nerve in the body). Acupuncture stimulates nerves to block pain signals to the brain and influences the autonomic nervous system promoting para-sympathetic (rest and digest) response and down regulating sympathetic (fight or flight), therefore enabling the body into a self-healing state.
In recent years high-quality clinical trials investigating acupuncture have been conducted, particularly for chronic pain conditions. Therefore, there is evidence available, and the systematic reviews can draw firm conclusions. A systematic review of high-quality trials, Vickers et al 2018, involving over 20,000 adults with osteoarthritis, chronic headache or musculoskeletal pain (back, neck or shoulder) concluded: Acupuncture was more effective than control for all pain conditions (pragmatic trials). Acupuncture is not a placebo for treatment of chronic pain. the effects persisted over time (15% reduction at one year) – British acupuncture Council https://acupuncture.org.uk/about-acupuncture/acupuncture-research/
More and more evidence-based research and basic research have recently confirmed that acupuncture can effectively improve the inflammatory response in inflammatory diseases and chronic diseases, alleviate patients’ symptoms, promote the recovery of body function, and improve patients’ quality of life – 7th April 2023 – Harvard Medical School.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) who provide guidelines for the NHS on the use of treatments and care of patients recommend acupuncture as a treatment option for chronic (long-term) pain and chronic tension-type headaches.