How Acupuncture Works, Part 2: the Modern Research View of Acupuncture

For the last 50 years, acupuncture has been used in various research studies to evaluate its efficacy for a myriad of conditions and to see how the body responds to acupuncture to create a healing response. 

Sometimes patients ask if there is something in or on the needle that causes the healing, but the needle is simply stainless steel. Depending on where and how it is inserted, It acts as the key in the lock for your body to regulate a number of different neurochemicals that promote healing, pain-relief, hormonal balance, and neuroplastic adaptations.

Here are some of the neurochemicals that acupuncture treatment has been found to influence: 

ENDORPHINS 

Endorphins, often called the body’s natural painkillers, are released during acupuncture treatment. In a 1999 study published in the American Journal of Physiology, researchers were able to demonstrate the link between acupuncture and the release of endorphins. Two groups of individuals with high blood pressure participated in the trial. One was given a drug prior to acupuncture treatment that would block the release of endorphins, the other was not. After acupuncture, the group who had not received the endorphin-blocker had a reduction in their blood pressure numbers while the group who had received the endorphin-blocker did not, thereby linking the release of endorphins with acupuncture.

Endorphins act as mood-lifters, promote relaxation, and relieve pain. Nerve and hormone receptors in the body receive endorphins just as well as they do morphine and other pharmaceutical pain relievers without the potentially harmful side effects. 

SEROTONIN 

A number of studies have researched the relationship between serotonin and serotonin antagonists and agonists to better understand the mechanism of action of acupuncture. They have found acupuncture to be associated with increased levels of serum or plasma serotonin or tissue serotonin especially in the colon. These increased serum levels may be why acupuncture has been shown to be helpful in treating anxiety and depression, diarrhea, and obesity. 

MELATONIN 

In a 2004 study, five weeks of acupuncture treatment was found to have a significant increase in nocturnal secretion of melatonin that correlated with significant improvements in sleep and significant reduction in anxiety scores. 

DOPAMINE 

Acupuncture has been associated with increased dopamine production which is thought to be one of the ways acupuncture has anti-inflammatory effects. This is considered one of the ways acupuncture can be effective in delaying the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Acupuncture’s regulating effect on dopamine can also contribute to its success in treating addiction disorders such as smoking cessation and ADHD. 

GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)

Acupuncture has been shown to increase levels of GABA in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory amino acid that is associated with increased states of calm, stress reduction, and improved sleep. 

Research has shown that acupuncture promotes healing in many ways including influencing the neurotransmitters listed above along with various hormones that determine growth, metabolism, and stress.  

Book a free consultation to learn more about how acupuncture and non-needle point stimulation can help you or your child heal.