Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as a natural therapy for managing pain, stress, and other health concerns. Many patients are curious about how acupuncture actually works in the body. Recent research provides a better understanding of the mechanisms behind acupuncture, helping patients make informed decisions about incorporating it into their wellness routine.

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Study Overview

Understandings of acupuncture application and mechanisms, Lin, Kotha, Chen, 2022, American Journal of Translational Research.

• Purpose: To summarize the current understanding of acupuncture’s physiological and neurobiological mechanisms and its clinical applications.
• Method: The authors reviewed experimental and clinical studies on acupuncture, focusing on how it affects nervous, immune, and circulatory systems.
• Results: The review suggests that acupuncture may:
  
  • Modulate pain via nervous system pathways
  • Promote circulation and tissue repair
  • Influence the release of neurotransmitters and endogenous opioids
  • Exert anti-inflammatory effects through immune and hormonal pathways
• Conclusion: Acupuncture can have multiple effects on the body, supporting its use as a complementary approach for pain management, stress regulation, and overall wellness.

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Mechanistic Understanding of Acupuncture

1. Neural Activation‍

• Needle insertion activates local receptors in the skin and underlying tissues.
• Signals travel through nerve fibers to the spinal cord and brain, modulating physiological functions such as pain perception, muscle tone, and autonomic activity.

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2. Purinergic Signaling Pathway

• Acupuncture may trigger ATP release from skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts).
• ATP is converted to adenosine, which can bind to adenosine A1 receptors, contributing to pain modulation.

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3. Mast Cell Degranulation & TRPV Channels

• Mast cells at acupoints may release mediators in response to stimulation, supporting acupuncture effects.
• TRPV1/TRPV2 channels in muscle and mast cells act as mechanosensors, responding to needle insertion, mechanical pressure, or heat.

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4. Local Tissue & Immune Interactions

• Minor tissue stimulation can activate immune cells and release proinflammatory factors, which may further signal sensory nerves.

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5. Anatomical Features of Acupoints

• Acupoints are thought to have higher concentrations of muscle spindles, cutaneous receptors, and tendon-organ-like structures, which may make them more responsive to stimulation.

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Mechanisms of Acupuncture Analgesia (Pain Relief)

• Endorphin Release: Acupuncture may stimulate the release of endorphins, which interact with opioid receptors in the spinal cord and brain to reduce pain perception.
• Bioactive Chemicals: Acupuncture can influence opioids, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which are involved in pain modulation through spinal and supraspinal pathways.
• Non-Opioid Pathways: Some studies suggest involvement of an orexin–endocannabinoid pathway in the brain, indicating additional mechanisms beyond opioid-mediated analgesia.

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Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture

• HPA Axis Modulation: Acupuncture may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping reduce pro-inflammatory molecules like COX-2 and PGE2.
• Sympathetic Nervous System Activation: Stimulating acupoints may trigger the peripheral release of endogenous opioids, which can contribute to anti-inflammatory effects.
• Catecholamine Release: Acupuncture may promote the release of adrenal catecholamines acting on dopamine D1 receptors, which could support systemic anti-inflammatory responses.

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Ready to Try PrimeLife Acupuncture?

Whether you’re experiencing acute or chronic pain, acupuncture can help restore mobility and reduce discomfort safely and effectively.

Book your appointment today with the experts at PrimeLife Acupuncture, the top-rated acupuncture clinic in Bethesda.

Curious to learn more about how acupuncture can help with other pain-related issues? Explore our Pain Management page or visit our Blog for further insights improving your well-being naturally.

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References:

Lin, J.-G., Kotha, P., & Chen, Y.-H. (2022).Understandings of acupuncture application and mechanisms. American Journal of Translational Research, 14(3), 1469–1481. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8991130/

Disclaimer:

This website and its contents are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Whenever possible, it is advised to seek professional care from a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical treatment.

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