How Acupuncture Works: Everything You Need to Know

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How Acupuncture Works: A Scientific Overview

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, works by stimulating specific points on the body, typically using thin needles. This practice is designed to restore balance in the body’s energy flow, or "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), and promote overall health. From a modern biomedical perspective, acupuncture influences multiple physiological systems, including the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

When needles are inserted into acupuncture points, they activate sensory nerves, which send signals to the brain and spinal cord. This triggers the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin, which reduce pain, promote relaxation, and enhance mood. Acupuncture also influences neuroanatomical pathways, such as the vagal-adrenal axis and spinal-sympathetic pathway, which help regulate stress and inflammation.

Additionally, acupuncture modulates immune responses. It activates mast cells and macrophages, essential components of the innate immune system, while influencing T cell differentiation in the adaptive immune system. These effects help the body fight infections and reduce chronic inflammation.

Acupuncture’s impact extends to the brain-gut axis, improving gastrointestinal health, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates stress responses. By engaging these complex systems, acupuncture promotes homeostasis—a state of physiological balance.

Scientific research continues to validate acupuncture as a complementary therapy for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, immune dysfunction, and digestive disorders. Its ability to bridge traditional practices with evidence-based medicine makes it a versatile tool for supporting whole-body health.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your supplement regimen or health routine. Individual needs and reactions vary, so it’s important to make informed decisions with the guidance of your physician.
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