One of Acupuncture’s well-known mechanisms of action is its ability to stimulate the release of β-endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This fact has been proven by numerous clinical trials conducted in humans and animals. Electro-acupuncture, laser acupuncture and acupressure can generate similar effects. Some animal studies have also demonstrated that electro-acupuncture (EA) not only promotes the release of endorphines but also upregulates endogenous endorphine receptors.

Endorphins have a powerful effect on the body, promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, supporting social relationships, and inducing feelings of well-being. In fact, even Harvard Medical School recognizes and suggests the use of acupuncture for triggering the release of endorphins.

Read more on Endorphines

Pain Management

Acupuncture decreases pain by increasing the levels of opioids at inflammatory sites through two main pathways (PMID: 24322588).

The first pathway involves activating sympathetic nerve fibers, leading to the migration of opioid-containing cells to the site.

The second pathway involves triggering the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, which decreases COX-2 and interferes with endocannabinoid metabolism, resulting in increased levels of opioids at the site.

Electroacupuncture may also lower PGE2 levels and alleviate pain by decreasing COX-2.

Additionally, according to animal studies, electroacupuncture seems to upregulates endocannabinoids and researchers conclude that the cannabinoid pathway also mediates the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture, via the CB1 and CB2 receptors, respectively (PMID: 33679287). Through this pathway, electro acupuncutre may directly inhibit pain and improve diffuse inhibitory control (DNIC) function (PMID: 29681797).

Anti-inflammatory effects

Recent literature has demonstrated the strong anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture on various biological systems, such as immune, digestive, respiratory, nervous, locomotory, circulatory, endocrine, and genitourinary systems (PMID: 34992414).

Moreover, in a recent study conducted by the Medical School of Harvard, researchers found that acupuncture can activate different nerve pathways and reduce systemic inflammation in animal models experiencing cytokine storm, which is an extreme immune response that releases excess inflammatory proteins (PMID: 32791039). Further research, shed light to the importance of acu-point specificity, as specific sensory neurons (PROKR2Cre-marked) in the hindlimb are vital for the trigger of an anti-inflammatory response (PMID: 34646018). Researchers even concluded that based on this nerve fiber distribution, they can almost precisely predict where electrical stimulation will be effective and where it will not be effective (Harvard Gazette).

This research highlihted a core concept of the root of Traditional Chinese Medicine, that the location and intensity of the stimulation is vital. Low-powered stimulation on the hindlimb activated an anti-inflammatory response, which depended on certain adrenal cells. In contrast, high-powered stimulation on the abdomen triggered different nerve cells, leading to varying inflammation effects based on the health state of the organism (PMID: 32791039).

Navigating life’s daily stresses can manifest as physical and emotional turmoil, leading to ailments such as anxiety and sleep disturbances. Acupuncture has increasingly become a sought-after remedy for these concerns. Studies have provided evidence of the anxiolytic effects of acupuncture on exam and competition anxiety, anxiety in preoperative patients, during dental treatments, IVF-related anxiety (PMID: 28033320; PMID: 28199216, PMID: 25254059; PMID: 22219023; PMID: 35570176)

A systematic review by Yang et al, 2021 (PMID: 33516258) verivied the findings concluding that acupuncture effectively reduces stress and anxiety levels in participants compared to those who didn’t receive the treatment.

Additionally, for those plagued by insomnia, acupuncture treatments have shown promise in facilitating more restful and rejuvenating sleep patterns (PMID: 36595758; PMID: 19922248).

Acupuncture can be an effective complementary therapy for women undergoing IVF treatment. Authors conclude that acupuncture may improve IVF outcomes by reducing blood flow impedance, inhibiting uterine motility, reducing depression, and modulating immune factors (PMID: 32309770).

The first randomized, controlled study on the effect of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF showed that acupuncture had a positive impact. A later meta-analysis also revealed that acupuncture at the time of embryo transfer is associated with significant improvements in clinical pregnancy rates, ongoing pregnancy rates, and live birth rates (PMID: 18258932). Further studies concluded that acupuncture can improve the quality of oocytes thus bettering the outcome of IVF-assisted pregnancy in elderly patients (PMID: 37682195).

Moreover, a recent systematic review demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in IVF-related anxiety for those receiving acupuncture compared to controls. (PMID: 35570176).

Acupuncture shows promise in regulating sex hormone levels, especially in women with reproductive issues. A comprehensive review of 23 studies indicated that acupuncture may positively influence hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin (PMID: 30581481). While results varied, it’s essential to note that acupuncture’s primary role might be in restoring hormonal balance. These findings suggest that acupuncture offers a holistic approach to hormonal health, emphasizing its potential therapeutic value.