Acupuncture

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine originating from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The practice dates back to around 100 B.C., and was used historically to treat physical ailments that, in the belief of ancient Chinese medicinal experts, result partially or wholly from a blockage in the flow of qi (energy) through the body.

While modern research doesn’t lend credence to the idea that acupuncture can help regulate the flow of energy through the body, whether through electromagnetic impulses or neural activity, some of the established benefits of acupuncture may be explained by the regulation of blood flow from one area to the next.

In the Western world, acupuncture is especially popular as an adjunct treatment option for migraine, headaches, and mental health issues. Acupuncture is the most studied form of traditional Chinese medicine in the West, with studies focusing on the treatment of conditions ranging from addiction and depression to chronic pain, menstrual cramps, infertility, and physical rehabilitation after a stroke.

A young woman getting needles inserted into her back during an acupuncture session. A patient getting alternative therapy for medical treatment

Practitioners insert acupuncture needles into acupuncture points, of which there are over 2,000. An acupuncture therapy session may take up to an hour, including the application and removal of needles. The needles themselves shouldn’t hurt – they’re very delicate – but may cause a strange sensation.

There are different forms of acupuncture. Once inserted, the needles may be manually manipulated, heated, electrically stimulated, or left alone for the duration of the session. Some experts also consider alternative treatments such as cupping and reflexology as part of acupuncture therapy.

Acupuncture’s Effects on the Brain

Acupuncture’s efficacy as a treatment method for mental health conditions is based on research showing that acupuncture may be more effective in relieving symptoms in the short-term than placebo treatments. This means that studies account for the fact that people can make themselves feel better by expecting to feel better.

In the treatment of depression, acupuncture may offer significant relief. While researchers are still trying to understand why, some plausible theories conclude that inserting and manipulating acupuncture needles along different points under the skin may result in a great release of endorphins, and that certain forms of acupuncture treatment may help regulate different components of the brain and nervous system, such as the hippocampus, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (part of your endocrine system), and trigger the release of endogenous opioids.

When is Acupuncture Recommended at Resolutions?

Acupuncture may be a useful alternative therapy when practiced in combination with other mental health treatments at Resolutions.

Acupuncture might also be helpful in cases where comorbid mental and physical health problems can be addressed, such as chronic pain with anxiety or depression, substance use disorder with other mental health symptoms, or chronic fatigue and unexplained pain coupled with a mood disorder. Learn more about acupuncture therapy and other alternative treatment methods here at Resolutions by getting in touch with us today.