Why Acupuncture Works: Ancient Medicine Meets Modern Science
If you have ever wondered how placing tiny needles in the skin can possibly help with pain, stress, digestion, or even fertility, you are not alone. At first glance, acupuncture can seem mysterious. Yet this ancient practice has been around for thousands of years, and not just because of tradition. People have continued to use acupuncture because it works. Today, we are able to go beyond centuries of clinical experience and use modern scientific tools to confirm the effectiveness of this fascinating therapy.
The Traditional Perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health is viewed as a dynamic balance of Qi (energy) and Blood flowing freely through a network of channels that nourish every organ and tissue. When that flow is strong and harmonious, we feel well. But when Qi or Blood becomes stuck, weakened, or moves in the wrong direction, symptoms appear such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, or digestive trouble.
Because all channels, organs, and tissues are interconnected, an imbalance in one area will eventually ripple outward and affect everything downstream. This is why acupuncture takes a holistic approach. Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, it seeks to address both the “root” (the underlying imbalance) and the “branch” (the symptoms themselves).
Acupuncture was developed to tap into the body’s own Qi to restore balance. By stimulating specific points along the channels, acupuncturists can help unblock stagnation, tonify deficiencies, and redirect flow where it needs to go. This rebalancing supports many biological functions including digestion, sleep, mood, and fertility. In simple terms, acupuncture can be thought of as tuning the body like a finely crafted instrument so it can perform at its best.
The Scientific Perspective
While the language of Qi and channels may sound poetic, modern research has shown that acupuncture has very real, measurable effects on the body. In the past few decades, scientists have explored how acupuncture influences the nervous system, hormones, circulation, and brain activity.
Nervous system reset: Acupuncture activates sensory nerves that signal the brain and spinal cord to release neurotransmitters such as endorphins (our natural painkillers) and serotonin (a key mood regulator). This is why people often leave a session feeling both calm and uplifted (Han, 2011; Zhao, 2008).
Hormonal and stress regulation: Acupuncture influences hormones such as cortisol (stress), FSH and LH (key reproductive hormones), and even insulin sensitivity. This makes it a valuable complementary therapy for fertility, stress management, and metabolic health (Stener-Victorin & Wu, 2010; Smith et al., 2019).
Improved circulation: Needling increases blood flow in targeted areas, delivering oxygen and nutrients while reducing inflammation. This promotes healing and restores tissue health (Sandberg et al., 2003).
Brain activity: Functional MRI scans show that acupuncture activates regions of the brain involved in pain regulation, emotional balance, and whole-body homeostasis (Hui et al., 2005).
In other words, acupuncture does not work through a single mechanism. It acts on multiple levels including the nervous, hormonal, circulatory, and psychological systems to guide the body back toward balance.
Why People Choose Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a drug-free and natural way to bring the body back into balance. It is highly adaptable, making it effective in both acute conditions such as back pain or migraines and chronic issues such as anxiety or menstrual irregularities.
People also value acupuncture because it is complementary to Western medical care. It can be used alongside treatments such as IVF, post-surgical recovery, or physical therapy, adding an extra layer of support. And because acupuncture is always tailored to the individual, it addresses the whole person rather than just the diagnosis.
In Summary, acupuncture works because it awakens the body’s own ability to heal. Rooted in ancient wisdom and confirmed by modern science, it helps restore balance, reduce symptoms, and support resilience from the inside out.
Ashley is a registered acupuncturist and Bowen Therapist currently accepting new patients at Nurtured Health Integrative Care. She is passionate about supporting women’s health and athletic performance, and believes in helping people move beyond their diagnosis to truly thrive. Outside of the clinic, Ashley can often be found training for her next endurance event.
References
- Han JS. (2004). Acupuncture and endorphins. Neuroscience Letters, 361(1–3), 258–261.
- Zhao ZQ. (2008). Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Progress in Neurobiology, 85(4), 355–375.
- Stener-Victorin E, Wu X. (2010). Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in the reproductive system. Autonomic Neuroscience, 157(1–2), 46–51.
- Smith CA, de Lacey S, Chapman M, Ratcliffe J, Norman RJ, Johnson N. (2019). Acupuncture to improve live birth rates for women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 126(1), 13–22.
- Sandberg M, Lundeberg T, Lindberg LG, Gerdle B. (2003). Effects of acupuncture on skin and muscle blood flow in healthy subjects. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 90(1–2), 114–119.
- Hui KK, Liu J, Marina O, Napadow V, Haselgrove C, Kwong KK, Kennedy DN, Makris N. (2005). The integrated response of the human cerebro-cerebellar and limbic systems to acupuncture stimulation at ST36 as evidenced by fMRI. NeuroImage, 27(3), 479–496.