FAQ

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Decreased Inflammation

Acupuncture needles decrease inflammation at a cellular level to reduce pain, swelling, and the body’s inflammatory response.

Increased Blood Flow

Microtrauma at the sites of acupuncture points encourages the body to mobilize red and white blood cells to encourage tissue recovery and circulation.

Parasympathetic Activation

Studies using fMRI technology demonstrate that acupuncture activates a parasympathetic response within the brain during treatment. This is the opposite of the ‘fight or flight’ response, and explains how acupuncture can have a sedative, relaxing effect and improve digestion and sleep.

Neurotransmitter Release

Acupuncture has been shown to cause the brain to release natural ‘painkiller’ chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin – both essential for pain relief and mental wellbeing.

Pain Relief

Acupuncture may affect pain-modulating neurotransmitters such as met-enkephalin and substance P along the nociceptive pathway of the brain.

Hormone Regulation

Acupuncture may affect the hypothalamus pituitary axis which aids in the regulation of your body’s stress response, metabolism, thyroid function, and more.