Modern acupuncture is done with sterile, single use, stainless steel needles. These very fine needles can be inserted and removed in the vast majority of instances without causing pain, bleeding, or bruising. When these needles enter the skin, the body perceives a micro-injury. This micro injury stimulates the central nervous system and the brain which causes changes in physiological functions. 

Healing Response

Acupuncture increases blood circulation at the site of the micro-injury, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the area. If the area of needling is the same as an area of existing injury, this can help to further stimulate the healing process for acute issues (ex. ankle sprain) or reengage the healing process for chronic conditions (ex. low back pain). The enhanced circulation also improves the body’s ability to self-regulate its inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes, aiding overall recovery.

Pain Response

The stimulation of the nervous system will elicit a pain response from the body. This is associated with the ‘de-qi’ sensation (achieved through needle manipulation techniques), which patients often describe as heavy or aching. While this sensation is typically mild, the body still interprets it as a form of pain. In response, the body releases natural pain-fighting substances, such as endorphins, and mood-enhancing chemicals, promoting both pain relief and a positive state of mind.

Nervous system regulation

The micro-injury caused by needling temporarily activates the body’s ‘fight or flight’ system. Due to the minimal nature of the injury, the body can quickly mount a response, heal from the needle-induced micro-injury, and shift into the ‘rest and digest’ state. Acupuncture helps the body improve its ability to transition between these states. Research indicates that acupuncture can increase the time the body spends in the ‘rest and digest’ state, where healing and repair processes are optimized.

References

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3. Hamvas Sz, Hegyi P, Kiss Sz, Lohner Sz, McQueen D, Havasi M. Acupuncture increases parasympathetic tone, modulating HRV − Systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2023;72:102905. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102905
4. Li QQ, Shi GX, Xu Q, Wang J, Liu CZ, Wang LP. Acupuncture effect and central autonomic regulation. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:267959. doi:10.1155/2013/267959
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6. Burnstock G. Purinergic signalling: therapeutic developments. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2017;8. Accessed January 18, 2024. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00661
7. Takano T, Chen X, Luo F, et al. Traditional acupuncture triggers a local increase in adenosine in human subjects. J Pain. 2012;13(12):1215-1223. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2012.09.012
8. Acupuncture – lab focuses – nedergaard lab – university of rochester medical center. Accessed January 18, 2024. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/nedergaard/projects/acupuncture.aspx
9. Hannoodee S, Nasuruddin DN. Acute inflammatory response. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Accessed January 18, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556083/

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