Posted Feb 15th, 2024

Acupuncture is believed to promote better health through several mechanisms:

1. Balancing Qi: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory suggests that acupuncture works by balancing the flow of vital Qi energy through the body's meridians. When Qi is blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to illness or discomfort. Acupuncture aims to restore the harmonious flow of Qi; thereby, promoting wellness.
2. Regulation of the Nervous System: Acupuncture has been found to influence the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and stress response. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture can modulate the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, promoting balance and relaxation.
3. Release of Endorphins and Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, which can help alleviate pain and promote feelings of well-being. It also affects the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in mood regulation. By influencing these chemical messengers, acupuncture can help improve mood and mental health.
4. Reduction of Inflammation: Some research suggests that acupuncture may have anti-inflammatory effects, which can benefit conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis, asthma, autoimmunity and chronic pain. By reducing inflammation, the body tissues can heal and restore their programmed function. 
5. Enhancement of Circulation: Acupuncture can improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues while removing metabolic waste products. Improved circulation can promote healing and tissue repair, thus contributing to better health and vitality.
6. Stress Reduction: As mentioned earlier, acupuncture can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation, regulating the stress response, and balancing neurotransmitter levels. By addressing stress, acupuncture can have far-reaching benefits for mind-body connection and healing.

Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with various adjunctive therapies to enhance its effectiveness or address specific health concerns. Some common therapies used alongside acupuncture include:

1. Needling: Needling is the primary technique used in acupuncture therapy. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and restore balance.
2. Cupping Therapy: Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which can help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, and promote relaxation. It is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance its therapeutic effects, particularly for pain relief and muscle tightness.
3. Gua sha: Gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves scraping the skin with a tool to promote blood circulation and relieve muscle tension. The term "gua sha" translates to "scraping sha (stagnant energy)" in Chinese
4. Tui Na Massage: Tui Na is a form of Chinese therapeutic massage that involves various hand techniques to manipulate the muscles and soft tissues of the body. It can be used alongside acupuncture to enhance relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation. Tui Na massage may be incorporated into acupuncture treatments to provide additional therapeutic benefits.
5. Dietary Therapy: Traditional Chinese Medicine places strong emphasis on the relationship between diet and health. Dietary therapy may be recommended alongside acupuncture to support overall health and address specific health conditions. This may involve dietary modifications, nutritional supplements, or specific dietary guidelines tailored to individual needs.