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April 7, 2025What is Acupuncture? 5 Intriguing Benefits Explained
Acupuncture is a time-honored healing art that uses tiny, painless needle insertions to help rebalance your body’s energy, ease pain, and calm inflammation. In this blog, we’ll explore what is acupuncture, examine does acupuncture work and how does acupuncture work, and uncover what does acupuncture do for everything from stress relief to joint pain. You’ll also learn which neurons are needed for acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory response and exactly how your treatment will flow when you book your first session—so you can decide if acupuncture is the right choice for your well-being.
Table of Contents
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient treatment technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves inserting very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body—known as acupuncture points or acupoints. According to Chinese medical theory, these points lie along meridians or channels through which the body’s vital energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”), flows. By stimulating these points, acupuncture aims to balance the flow of Qi, restoring health and wellbeing.
Chinese acupuncture channels
In Western medical terms, acupuncture works when the needle is inserted or area is stimulated (with acupressure); this triggers the nervous system to release endorphins (the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals), modulating pain signals, and enhancing local blood circulation. Today, acupuncture is used worldwide for a variety of conditions from chronic pain to stress relief.
Does Acupuncture Work?
One of the most common questions prospective patients ask is, “does acupuncture work?” A growing body of clinical research suggests that acupuncture can be effective for certain conditions:
- Chronic Pain: Randomised controlled trials have shown that acupuncture provides significant relief for chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis of the knee, and tension headaches.
- Migraines & Headaches: Studies report that regular acupuncture sessions can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
- Stress & Anxiety: Research indicates acupuncture may decrease stress hormone levels (like cortisol) and enhance relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
While results vary from person to person, many systematic reviews conclude that acupuncture is more than just a placebo for pain and stress-related disorders. As with any treatment, success depends on factors such as practitioner skill, the patient’s condition, and the number of sessions.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
“How does acupuncture work?” is both an eastern and western medical question. Here are two complementary perspectives:
- Chinese-medical Perspective
- Qi Regulation: Acupuncture points correspond to channel pathways. When Qi is blocked or deficient, illness and pain can occur. Needle insertion or area stimulation unblocks or redirects Qi, restoring harmony.
- Yin & Yang Balance: Health is seen as a balance between yin (cool, passive energy) and yang (hot, active energy). Acupuncture helps adjust these forces to an optimal equilibrium.
- Medical Perspective
- Neurochemical Release: Needle or acupressure stimulation prompts the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that modulate pain perception and promote a sense of wellbeing.
- Neurovascular Effects: Local needle insertion increases blood flow and can trigger a cascade of anti-inflammatory processes.
- Gate Control Theory: Acupuncture may “close the gate” on pain signals traveling to the brain, effectively dampening the pain response.
Research – how does acupuncture work?
In recent animal experiments, researchers discovered specific neurons needed for acupunctures anti-inflammatory response. These tiny group of nerve cells were located in the hind leg of a mouse. When an acupuncture needle tapped into these specific sensory neurons, it kick-started a chain reaction that clamed down the immune system and lowered inflammation. When they blocked those specfic nerves, acupuncture couldn’t reduce the inflammation—demonstrating that these neurons were needed for acupunctures’ anti-inflammatory response. This breakthrough, published in Nature on October 13, 2021, finally explains why acupuncture treatment performed on the leg works well to ease conditions like arthritis and tendonitis—while other acupuncture points don’t have the same anti-inflammatory impact (Researchers pinpoint how acupuncture targets inflammation — Harvard Gazette).
By combining these views, we can appreciate both the traditional wisdom behind acupuncture and its measurable physiological effects.
What Does Acupuncture Do?
So, what does acupuncture do for the body and mind? Here are some of its key actions:
- Pain Relief: Acupuncture is especially well known for reducing musculoskeletal pain such as back pain, neck pain, and arthritis.
- Stress Reduction: By lowering stress hormones and activating the relaxation response, acupuncture may help manage anxiety, insomnia, and even some depression.
- Digestive Health: It can support gastrointestinal function, easing issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and acid reflux.
- Immune Support: Regular acupuncture sessions may enhance immune function by modulating inflammatory pathways and promoting lymphatic drainage.
- Women’s Health: Acupuncture is often used to alleviate menstrual cramps, regulate menstrual cycles, and support fertility treatments.
Beyond these, many patients report improvements in energy, mood, and overall sense of balance after a series of treatments.
What You Can Expect from Acupuncture
When you book your first session, you will experience a warm and thorough intake where your practitioner asks about your health history and goals. Here’s a quick rundown of what you may look forward to:
- Initial Consultation
You have time to discuss in-depth all aspects of your health. Everything is connected! Symptoms, lifestyle, and any concerns. This helps your acupuncturist tailor the treatment to your needs. - Needle Placement
During the treatment, after disinfecting the area, gentle insertion of very fine sterile needles at carefully chosen points. Most people feel a slight tingling or warmth—comfortably mild sensations. - Relaxation Time
After the needles are in, you can enjoy time to quietly rest for 15–20 minutes, with your practitioner checking on you,making sure you are warm and comfortable. Many patients drift into a light sleep or deep state of relaxation. - Post-Treatment Feedback
When it’s time to remove the needles, the practitioner will check in on how you feel and offer advice on self-care, like gentle stretches or herbal recommendations.
Overall, each visit can leave you feeling more balanced—often noticing reduced tension, improved mood, and a general sense of wellbeing that deepens over a course of treatments.
Integrating Acupuncture into Your Wellness Routine
If you’re considering acupuncture:
- Find a Qualified Practitioner
- Look for registration with a recognised acupuncture professional body (e.g., AACMA – approved by AHPRA in Australia).
- Ask about their training and experience.
- Discuss Your Goals
- Whether you want to address chronic pain, reduce stress, or improve general wellness, communicate your aims clearly.
- Commit to a Treatment Plan
- Many conditions require multiple sessions (often 6–12 weekly treatments) before you notice full benefits.
- Combine with Other Treatment Methods
- Acupuncture works together with herbal medicine, cupping, massage, and lifestyle modifications like mindfulness and gentle exercise.
Acupuncture offers a gentle, holistic approach that bridges ancient wisdom and modern science.
By understanding what is acupuncture, does acupuncture work, how does acupuncture work, and what does acupuncture do, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you. Ready to explore the benefits of acupuncture? Book a consultation today at Peninsula Child and Family Acupuncture and take the first step toward balanced health and wellbeing for you and your family.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how acupuncture can help you achieve greater well-being.
