How Acupuncture Works

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture works by applying a thin needle to an acupuncture point located
along the meridian - a channel like structure. Each of 14 meridians controls
a set of physiological functions of corresponding internal organs.
Acupuncture achieves its effect by regulating "Qi" movement in the meridian.
"Qi" is a conceptual energy substance that travels in the meridians to
influence the functions of internal organs. By up-regulating or
down-regulating the functions of internal organs through "Qi", acupuncture
achieves its therapeutic aim and correct the imbalance of Yin and Yan, or
"Qi" and "Xue".

According to modern biomedical research

Acupuncture works through the insertion of a thin needle to stimulate
responses of internal organs such as nerve system, vascular system,
endocrine system, and local immune response. These responses lead to
the functional adjustment of human body. For instance, acupuncture may
stimulate brain to release pain control molecules (beta-endorphin) to
reduce the pain. It may also suppress CNS to relief nausea. In other case,
studies have been shown that acupuncture is capable of regulating
endocrine functions and immune responses such as increasing the serum
level of lymphocyte growth factor (IL-2), resulting in an overall adjustment of
body's well-being. In addition, acupuncture may stimulate anti-inflammatory
responses to relief the local pain such as shoulder pain, knee pain and
muscle pain. These pains are usually the results of inflammation.