There is compelling evidence that natural painkillers are released during acupuncture. This explains its painkilling effects.
Acupuncture has been incorporated into medical practices all over the world, combining traditional knowledge with scientific studies taking place in biomedical science departments at many universities.
Western acupuncture uses specific acupuncture points based on anatomical landmarks, to target the area of your body that you are experiencing pain.
The sterilized needles which are about the thickness of a human hair and are available in different lengths are inserted into these points. They are hardly felt when inserted. Acupuncture needles allow our chiropractor or physiotherapist to be very specific in terms of location and depth so that they can be placed into the tissue that is causing your pain. The needles are often stimulated with small electrodes allowing the current to pass through the needle directly into the affected tissue giving the treatment increased effectiveness.
What is the evidence for acupuncture?
Considerable scientific evidence supports that natural painkillers or opioids are released during an acupuncture treatment which explains its painkilling effects. Changes in blood flow due to altered secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones have also been documented.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) also now recognizes that acupuncture works and has evidence-based backing, and recommends it for many types of musculoskeletal pain including muscle spasms, tightness and inflammation.