How Does Acupuncture Work
In a nutshell, acupuncture triggers your body to respond in the same way it would when bumped, bruised or cut. Given a physical “insult” like these, your body goes into repair mode automatically: it increases blood flow to the area to flush the area of toxins that may have been introduced.
This automatic response includes bringing fresh blood and nutrients to the damaged area to help heal it.
Equally important, the body releases feel-good endorphins which trigger additional beneficial side effects. (endorphins are what cause the much-ballyhooed ‘runner’s high.’ it’s also of the one ways your immune system gets boosted.)
Endorphins help you relax and make you feel happy. Relaxing and feeling better reduces stress and anxiety. This cascade of beneficial effects also helps people sleep better. So acupuncture automatically helps lower stress, anxiety and insomnia. What most people don’t know is that endorphins are also a natural pain killer.
When you visit an acupuncturist, you’ll be given appointments twice a week, usually for just a couple of weeks. As your condition improves, your treatments will decrease. The key to this strategy is that you must return for your next treatment before your pain level returns to its original, pre-treatment intensity; otherwise you won’t get better; you’ll just keep spinning your wheels.
Acupuncture has been a confirmed, tried-and-true practice for 5000+ years.
Research has shown that the limbic center (the pleasure center of the brain) lights up like a christmas tree during acupuncture treatments. This should answer the question, “does acupuncture hurt?” With a resounding, “no!”