The Acupuncture Mechanism, Explained!

Acupuncture stimulates nerve signals to the brain to release endorphins, your body's natural pain killer. Other neurotransmitters such as encephalin are also released. When a needle is inserted, a micro-injury (or axon reflex) is created to locally stimulate blood flow, promote healing, and dull pain. The axon reflex or redness observed in the skin where the needle is inserted is what Chinese Medicine practitioners call "sha". The parasympathetic nervous system (somato-parasympathetic reflex) response "rest and digest" can be observed, AND heard in a patient's gurgling stomach!

Read on to digest more about the mechanisms of how acupuncture works: