How does acupuncture work?

How does acupuncture work?

No one is really sure. It’s magic. Okay, I’m totally kidding.  There are a lot of theories out there and many scientists are intrigued by acupuncture because there is no clear answer to how it works, they just know that it works.

Here is one of the most concise and practical explanations (from a Western medicine perspective) I have found about how acupuncture works. A big thank you to  Alyssa Dazet, LAc for this.

“Acupuncture is actually incredibly scientific. Bundles of nerves are found beneath the main
acupuncture points. When a needle penetrates the skin, not only is a domino effect of
neurotransmitters and hormones released from this action such as serotonin and
substance P, but also the nervous system is stimulated for the purpose of always
working to bring the body back into balance, which ultimately is the process of
bringing the body back into homeostasis.” - Alyssa Dazet, Licensed Acupuncturist

Eastern medicine practitioners may describe how acupuncture works by using terms like “Qi” or “meridians”. This is not to throw you for a loop. It’s just how we were taught that acupuncture works. The language is different, but the results are the same. Acupuncture works.

Qi- your vital life force; energy
Meridians-pathways throughout your body where Qi flows