Introduction

Acupuncture is a holistic healing practice that has been used for centuries to promote wellness and alleviate various health concerns. While many people know of acupuncture’s effectiveness for resolving pain; acupuncture can also be used for a wide variety of internal medicine conditions as well. This includes things like menstrual cramps and hormonal imbalances, infertility, digestive issues, and even to promote emotional balance and stress reduction. This gentle technique involves the insertion of fine stainless steel single-use needles into specific points on the body. In this article, we will explore how acupuncture works by supporting the body's natural healing processes, backed by scientific studies.

Enhancing Blood and Lymph Flow

Acupuncturists learn that there are many points on the body that actually promote blood flow. Studies have shown that acupuncture can enhance blood and lymph flow throughout the body by stimulating Nitrous Oxide. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture helps to improve circulation, ensuring that vital nutrients and oxygen reach the tissues while aiding in the removal of waste products. This improved circulation can support the body's healing mechanisms and promote overall well-being. In fact, good circulation and healthy blood flow is perhaps one of the most important and underrated components of good health… ESPECIALLY when it comes to treating women’s health, hormones, and fertility.

Study 1  - Investigated the effects of acupuncture on blood flow and this study investigated the effects of acupuncture on blood flow with doppler and ultrasound imaging

Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or illness, but when it becomes chronic, it can contribute to various health conditions such as auto-immune conditions, chronic infections, digestive concerns, skin conditions, etc. In Chinese medicine, too much inflammation or chronic infections are known as “excess heat” in the body and can be treated with acupuncture, herbs, nutrition and lifestyle practices. Acupuncture has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to reduce inflammation and its associated symptoms. By modulating immune responses, acupuncture assists in restoring balance within the body.

Study 2 - Explored the anti-inflammatory actions and mechanism of acupuncture

Promoting Natural Pain Relief and Endorphin Release

One of the well-known benefits of acupuncture is its ability to provide natural pain relief. Scientific research has demonstrated that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. These endorphins can help alleviate discomfort and promote a sense of well-being, making acupuncture a valuable option for managing pain.

Study 3 - Examined the impact of acupuncture on acute pain and found it to very effective and could potentially help the opioid crisis. This additional study showed how acupuncture showed a greater immediate pain relief than sham acupuncture (which Is still greatly debated with acupuncture can actually be sham; but I digress). This third study showed how acupuncture can be really beneficial for chronic pain sufferers as well.

Supporting the Immune System

Acupuncture has been shown to support the body's immune system, by increasing the number of white blood cells and T cell numbers- helping it function optimally. By regulating immune responses, acupuncture can enhance immune activity when needed and promote balance in cases of immune dysfunction. This not only makes acupuncture effective for people with low immunity; but also in auto-immune diseases. This immune support can contribute to overall health and resilience.

Study 4 - Investigated the immunomodulatory effects of acupuncture and this post by the Global Autoimmune Institute details how acupuncture has been shown to help those suffering with autoimmune diseases by regulating the immune system.

Regulating Body Functions

Another remarkable aspect of acupuncture is its ability to regulate various bodily functions by activating the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). Through its influence on the nervous system, acupuncture can help restore balance in the body, leading to improvements in sleep, digestion, hormonal function, and other essential physiological processes. By promoting equilibrium, acupuncture assists the body in maintaining optimal health.

Study 5 - This review focused on the central mechanism of acupuncture in modulating various autonomic responses.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is a natural healing modality that promotes wellness by enhancing blood and lymph flow, reducing inflammation, stimulating natural pain relief, supporting the immune system, and regulating various body functions. The scientific studies cited in this article provide evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in these areas. However, I have been practicing this medicine for several years and throughout the years have witnessed the incredible healing potential of acupuncture. This does NOT mean an overnight magic fix- treating stubborn chronic conditions takes time. However, If you're tired of just being offered new drugs, surgery, or your doctors don’t have answers and thus do not have anything to offer you- don’t sleep on trying acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. While it remains hard to study; there is lots of research to support its effectiveness, as well as the many people who’s lives were changed by acupuncture and herbal medicine. If acupuncture did not work- it simply wouldn’t have survived thousands of years and spread to every corner of the globe.