Evidence based Acupuncture
Modern Acupuncture: A blend of western medical and Traditional perspectives
Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years as a core branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In the West it's often viewed as a form of complementary and alternative medicine. However as acupuncture gains popularity in clinical settings, more research is being conducted to understand its mechanisms and effectiveness. This post explores the science behind acupuncture and how it’s ancient wisdom can be explained with a modern medical understanding. Acupuncture in Lake Country, B.C. by Christopher Russell, BSc, RAc. has a blended approach which is delivered in his Okanagan based Registered Acupuncture practice CJR Acupuncture by combining Western Medical understanding with TCM diagnosis to serve acupuncture in Vernon, acupuncture in Kelowna, acupuncture in Lake Country and the greater Okanagan region.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points. These points are located along meridians, which, in TCM, are pathways that carry Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. The aim in treatment is to restore balance and harmony by clearing blockages in the flow of Qi, which is believed to cause disease and discomfort when disrupted.
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In modern medicine, acupuncture is thought to work by stimulating the nervous system and enhancing the body’s self-healing abilities to return homeostasis to the body.
A wealth of recent research has focused on how acupuncture affects the nervous system, particularly in pain relief. When an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin, it stimulates nerve endings and sensory receptors in the body. This in turn, sends signals to the brain and spinal cord, triggering the release of chemicals such as endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers), serotonin, and norepinephrine, which can help modulate pain.
Acupuncture research: Understanding how acupuncture works
A study published in the Journal of Pain¹ found that acupuncture has a significant effect on chronic pain conditions, including osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, and headaches . The study concluded that acupuncture’s effects were more than just placebo and provided pain relief through its action on the nervous system.
A meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in JAMA Internal Medicine² also confirmed acupuncture’s efficacy in treating chronic pain, particularly in conditions like migraines, arthritis, and lower back pain . This comprehensive study found that acupuncture’s effects persisted over time, indicating a long-lasting benefit.
Functional MRI (fMRI) studies have also shed light on how acupuncture influences the brain. When acupuncture points are stimulated, certain areas of the brain associated with pain perception, emotion, and healing are activated. This suggests that acupuncture has both a physiological and psychological impact on the body.
A study conducted by Harvard Medical School³ showed that acupuncture can regulate the limbic system and brain regions involved in stress and pain perception . fMRI scans demonstrated changes in the brain’s activity patterns, suggesting that acupuncture helps modulate the brain's pain matrix, decreasing pain sensation.
Another study published in the journal Neuroscience Letters⁴ found that acupuncture activates areas of the brain responsible for endogenous pain modulation, meaning the body’s own mechanisms for regulating pain were enhanced by acupuncture stimulation .
Inflammation plays a major role in many chronic conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation by influencing the immune system and inflammatory pathways.
A 2017 study in the Journal of Endocrinology³'⁹' revealed that acupuncture could reduce inflammatory markers such as cytokines, proteins that regulate immune responses . This was particularly notable in patients with autoimmune conditions, showing acupuncture’s potential to help manage chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Research published in Scientific Reports³'⁹' demonstrated that acupuncture regulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing inflammation at the molecular level . This helps explain why acupuncture is effective in treating conditions with a strong inflammatory component, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Another key benefit of acupuncture is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. When acupuncture points are stimulated, the body enters a parasympathetic state—the "rest and digest" mode—which counters the "fight or flight" stress response. This promotes relaxation and restores balance to the autonomic nervous system.
A 2013 study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine⁷ found that acupuncture significantly reduced stress hormones like cortisol in patients with chronic stress . Lower cortisol levels are linked to reduced anxiety and a greater sense of well-being.
Another study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies⁸ found that acupuncture could enhance heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of the body’s ability to respond to stress. Increased HRV is associated with better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of stress-related diseases .
Acupuncture Treatment for Pain, Digestion, Hormones, and mental Health
Acupuncture's ability to treat a wide range of conditions can be explained by its effects on different body systems, including the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. It is frequently used to treat conditions such as:
Chronic Pain: Acupuncture modulates pain pathways and enhances the body’s natural pain-relief mechanisms (endorphins and enkephalins).
Digestive Disorders: By regulating the autonomic nervous system, acupuncture helps improve digestive motility and reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract .
Fertility and Hormonal Balance: Acupuncture has been found to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, improving reproductive outcomes for individuals with fertility challenges .
Mental Health Conditions: Acupuncture reduces the activity of the stress response system, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and PTSD .
I believe as a modern practitioner providing Acupuncture in Vernon, Acupuncture in Kelowna, and Acupuncture in Lake Country, that it is paramount to continue to integrate a modern understanding of the body with the ancient diagnostic wisdom of TCM to form effective treatment plans. If you are curious about more evidence-based research articles showcasing the modern understanding of acupuncture and it’s potential mechanisms please check out: https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/ as a compilation of currently available research.
References:
Ma, Q., et al. "Specific Neuronal Pathway Suppresses Inflammation via Vagus-Adrenal Axis Stimulation by Acupuncture." Nature, vol. 589, no. 7841, 2021, pp. 570-575. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School.
Han JS. "Acupuncture and Endorphins." Neuroscience Letters, 2004.
Moffet HH. "How Might Acupuncture Work? A Systematic Review of Physiological Rationales from Clinical Trials." Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2006.