Acupuncture is an ancient practice rooted in classical Chinese medicine, but modern research continues to uncover the ways it supports health and well-being. As a holistic treatment, acupuncture addresses not just physical symptoms but also emotional and mental well-being. Since each person experiences symptoms differently, treatments are personalized to meet individual needs.
Many studies in Western medicine highlight acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions, from hormonal imbalances and infertility to chronic pain, headaches, digestive disorders, and even complex conditions like chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. But how does it actually work?
In this blog I'm going to explore 4 ways in which acupuncture is thought to work which resonate with me based on my experience of working with patients.
1. Trigger Points – Releasing Tension and Pain
Trigger points are tight, knotted areas in muscles that can cause pain both locally and in other parts of the body. Acupuncture needles, when inserted into these points, help release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. This process is similar to dry needling, a technique often used in physiotherapy, but acupuncture takes a broader approach, incorporating energy flow (Qi) and meridian pathways. Many patients experience significant relief from muscle pain and tension through this method.
2. Gate Control Theory of Pain – Blocking Pain Signals
The Gate Control Theory of Pain suggests that the nervous system has "gates" that can either allow or block pain signals from reaching the brain. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate nerve fibres in a way that helps "close" these gates, reducing pain perception. It also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can further ease discomfort and promote a sense of well-being. This is one reason why acupuncture is widely used for pain management, including for migraines, arthritis, and back pain.
3. Nervous System Regulation – Shifting from Stress to Relaxation
Our nervous system has two primary states:
Sympathetic (fight-or-flight): Activated during stress, keeping us alert but also contributing to anxiety, high blood pressure, and chronic tension.
Parasympathetic (rest-and-digest): Supports relaxation, digestion, and healing.
Acupuncture is known to downregulate the sympathetic nervous system while activating the parasympathetic response, promoting deep relaxation and balance. This shift can help with stress-related conditions, anxiety, insomnia, and even digestive disorders, as the body moves from a state of tension into one of healing.
4. Channels and Energy Pathways – The Connection to Embryology
Classical Chinese Medicine describes acupuncture as working through a system of meridians, or energy channels, that run through the body, carrying Qi (vital energy). While these pathways have been difficult to map in conventional anatomical studies, modern research suggests they may correspond to fascial planes—networks of connective tissue that help coordinate movement, circulation, and cellular communication.
One of the more fascinating explanations for these pathways comes from embryology, the study of how the body develops in the womb. Scientists have found that acupuncture meridians may align with early developmental pathways, suggesting that these energy channels have a deep biological foundation. This perspective helps bridge the gap between ancient acupuncture theory and modern science, providing a compelling reason why acupuncture can have such widespread effects on the body.
The Takeaway
Acupuncture is not just about pain relief—it influences multiple systems in the body, from muscle tension and nerve signalling to deep-rooted biological patterns and stress regulation. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic conditions or simply looking to restore balance, acupuncture offers a unique and science-backed approach to well-being.
Would you like to learn more? Check my other blogs for more insights into how acupuncture works, suggestions of acupressure points to use at home and lifestyle advice.
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