How Does Acupuncture Work?

A super common question in my practice is "how does acupuncture work?" And while this is a deep and complex topic, it can also be explained in relatively simple terms for everyone to understand.

Acupuncture is largely defined as the use of thin filiform needles to stimulate acupuncture points along the meridians of the body. But what really happens when we do this? By "tuning" into the body's network of communication consisting of fascia, muscles, tendons, organs, nerves, and bones, we can share information on a subtle cellular level. Just like when you touch something hot and a signal is sent to your brain that "ouch, this is hot!" the same thing is happening with acupuncture. Stimulating specific areas (Acupoints) communicates different messages to the body.

A great example is the Acupoint located directly between your eyebrows. It is called Yin Tang, and its purpose is to calm the mind, benefit the nose, and alleviate local pain (think headaches). When this point is stimulated, it causes a structural change in the tissue that the body responds to. This structural change will ignite a fluid exchange within the tissue. This fluid exchange can look like an increased circulation to the area, stimulation of the nervous system or an "injury" to the tissue, prompting the bodily systems to begin the healing process. This response is the body "hearing the message" and answering the call. Since the body is always trying to maintain homeostatic function, acupuncture is simply a gentle reminder of what that homeostasis looks like.

Each system in the body functions in conjunction with the others. You can't remove the respiratory system and still have a functioning body, because each system depends on the others to perform its functions properly. This interconnected network of systems allows us to send messages through the body, and is why acupuncture is so incredibly effective. Although the needles may seem small, when used properly, they are a mighty tool that we can utilize to communicate with our body on a deeper level.