What is acupuncture
&
how does it work?
​
Acupuncture is based on regulating the flow of blood and Qi in the body through the nervous system and blood vessels. These channels are known as "meridians" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are acupuncture points located along these channels/meridians. When these points are activated with a needle, it sends signals to the brain, having a cascading effect on the body.
For example, a treatment for relaxation would use acupuncture points that stimulate the brain to create more serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitters. Or a treatment for pain relief would stimulate the brain to increase opioids (a natural pain reliever) and assists in increasing blood flow to the pain area and decreasing inflammation, which aids in the healing process.
Acupuncture stimulates homeostasis in the body by regulating oxygen flow and organ functioning.