How acupuncture works

Acupuncture is based on two different concepts of how it affects the body: 

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

• Energy pathways: TCM believes a vital energy called qi flows through the body along specific pathways called meridians.

• Balanced energy: Health is maintained when the qi is balanced. If the flow of qi is blocked or imbalanced, it can cause illness and pain.

• Correcting flow: By inserting needles into acupoints along these meridians, practitioners aim to unblock and re-balance the body's energy flow to restore health. 

Western medical perspective

• Nervous system stimulation: Western practitioners view acupoints as locations where nerves, muscles, and connective tissue can be stimulated.

• Chemical release: This stimulation is thought to prompt the nervous system to release natural chemicals like endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.

• Hormone and immune system effects: It is also suggested that acupuncture may influence hormonal, immune, and anti-inflammatory responses.

Conditions treated with acupuncture

Research has shown that acupuncture can be effective as a standalone treatment or as a complementary therapy for a wide range of conditions, particularly chronic pain. The World Health Organization recognizes it for over 40 conditions. 

Pain conditions

• Back and neck pain

• Headaches and migraines

• Osteoarthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Sciatica

• Dental and postoperative pain

• Pain related to cancer treatment, such as joint pain from aromatase inhibitors 

Other conditions

• Chemotherapy side effects: Nausea and vomiting

• Mental health: Anxiety, depression, and insomnia

• Allergies: Seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis)

• Women's health: Menstrual cramps, infertility, and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes

• Digestive issues: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastritis

• Neurological issues: Bell's palsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and stroke recovery

Acupuncture is a gentle, natural therapy that has been practiced for thousands of years. Very fine, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body to restore balance, improve circulation, and encourage your body’s natural ability to heal. It promotes a balanced flow of energy - increasing oxygenation of tissue while regulating and releasing immune substances, anti-inflammatory compounds, and even hormones. 

Many people use acupuncture to relieve pain, reduce stress, improve sleep, and support overall wellness. The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so most patients choose to do a series of weekly treatments over months or years.