From Pain Relief to Brain Rewiring: The Surprising Benefits of Acupuncture

BRMI Staff

Acupuncture, one of the oldest healing practices in the world, has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 4,500 years. Once confined to Asia, it is now used globally—by at least a quarter of the world’s population—and is more commonly used than aspirin in some regions. Today, it is one of the most widely researched and practiced complementary therapies in the world. Modern medicine is increasingly validating what ancient healers knew: acupuncture is a powerful way to support health, restore balance, and relieve pain.

What Is Acupuncture?

At its core, acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body—most often with very fine, sterile, stainless-steel needles—to elicit a predictable physiological response. But needles are not the only tool. Acupuncturists may also use:

• Electroacupuncture – gentle electrical stimulation at points

• Acupressure – manual pressure on acupuncture points

• Moxibustion – heat therapy using dried herbs

• Laser and light therapy – modern methods for point stimulation

  
  

The goal is always the same: to restore balance to the body’s energy flow (known as qi) and support its natural ability to heal.

The Art and Science of Diagnosis

Acupuncture treatment is highly individualized. Before beginning treatment, an acupuncturist will evaluate a patient using four key diagnostic methods:

1. Questioning – Understanding symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history

2. Palpation – Feeling the pulse and body for changes

3. Visual Inspection – Looking at the tongue, complexion, and other visual clues

4. Olfactory-Auditory Data – Listening to the voice, breathing, and noting any distinct smells

Based on this holistic assessment, the practitioner chooses the appropriate acupuncture points, type of stimulation, and treatment plan.

The Meridian System: Mapping the Body’s Energy

Central to acupuncture theory is the concept of meridians—pathways that carry qi throughout the body. There are 12 primary meridians connecting limbs to the trunk and head, plus several accessory meridians. Charts dating back to 300 B.C. map these meridians and their associated acupuncture points.

While the term qi doesn’t have a direct Western physiological equivalent, modern research suggests that acupuncture may work by stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, and even influencing the central nervous system to release pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins.

Yin, Yang, and Balance

Health, according to TCM, depends on the balance of yin and yang—two complementary forces. When they are in harmony, energy flows freely, and the body thrives. When they are disrupted, illness occurs. Acupuncture offers many health benefits by unblocking stagnation and restore proper flow, which can relieve pain and promote healing.

Ten Fascinating Facts About Acupuncture

1. It’s One of the Oldest, Yet Most Researched, Therapies – Practiced for over 4,500 years and now one of the most scientifically studied forms of complementary medicine.

2. It May Rewire the Brain – fMRI studies show acupuncture changes brain activity, calming pain pathways and activating regions tied to healing.

3. It Releases Natural Painkillers – Stimulates the release of β-endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins, your body’s own pain-relieving chemicals.

4. The “Needle Sensation” Is a Good Sign – Tingling, heaviness, or warmth at the point is called de qi, signaling therapeutic activation.

5. It’s Used in Major Hospitals – Institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic offer acupuncture as part of integrative care.

6. It’s Extremely Safe—When Done Right – Serious side effects are rare when performed by licensed professionals.

7. It’s Not Just for Pain – Supports digestion, sleep, fertility, mood balance, and immune function in addition to pain relief.

8. It’s Personalized Medicine – Each treatment is tailored to your constitution, symptoms, and even emotional state.

9. You Don’t Always Need Needles – Laser acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and acupressure can be used for sensitive patients or children.

10. It Can Work Quickly—But Also Cumulatively – Many feel better after the first session, with effects building over time.

Conditions Treated by Acupuncture - More Than Just Pain Relief Benefits

In the West, most people seek acupuncture for pain management—back pain, migraines, arthritis, and nerve pain. But acupuncture can do much more. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists numerous conditions supported by controlled trials, including:

Pain Conditions • Low back pain • Sciatica • Knee pain • Neck pain • Shoulder pain

Neurological Conditions • Headaches and migraines • Facial pain • Neuralgia

Digestive Issues • Nausea and vomiting • Gastritis • Biliary colic

Gynecological Concerns • Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) • Morning sickness • Induction of labor (under professional supervision)

Other Conditions • Allergic rhinitis • Depression • Hypertension • Postoperative pain

Additionally, WHO has identified over 50 other conditions—including Bell’s palsy, fibromyalgia, and ulcerative colitis—that show promising results but require further research.

How Acupuncture Works: Modern Insights

Acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects are now better understood. Stimulation at different frequencies can mobilize neuropeptides such as β-endorphin, enkephalin, and dynorphin, which bind to opioid receptors in the body and reduce pain perception.

Brain imaging studies using fMRI and PET scans have shown that acupuncture can activate regions of the brain involved in pain processing, emotional regulation, and autonomic function. It appears to calm overactive pain pathways while boosting the body’s natural anti-inflammatory and self-healing mechanisms.

Safety and Training

When performed by a trained professional, acupuncture is remarkably safe. The WHO notes that complications are rare but can include infections or injury if performed improperly. This is why choosing a licensed acupuncturist or physician trained in medical acupuncture is essential.

In North America, acupuncturists undergo rigorous education and clinical training, often including thousands of hours of study. Patients should be cautious about “dry needling” offered by some providers with minimal training, which may carry increased risk.

Beyond Needles: Complementary Practices

Acupuncture is often part of a broader healing approach that may include:

• Chinese herbal medicine

• Cupping – suction therapy to increase circulation

• Guasha – gentle scraping of the skin to relieve stagnation

• Qigong and Tai Chi – movement and breathing practices to cultivate energy

• Lifestyle counseling – including diet, sleep, and stress management

Acupuncture’s Global Journey

Though rooted in China, acupuncture spread throughout Asia—Korea, Japan, and Vietnam each developed unique styles—and eventually to Europe. Marco Polo and other early travelers brought the practice back to Europe, where it became popular in France and England.

Today, acupuncture is one of the most common forms of complementary and integrative medicine in the United States, with over 50 accredited schools and thousands of certified practitioners nationwide. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and major hospital systems now fund research and integrate acupuncture into pain management programs, cancer care, and rehabilitation.

Q & A: Common Questions About Acupuncture

Does acupuncture hurt?  Most people report minimal to no pain. The needles are hair-thin, and many feel only a slight pinch or a dull ache, followed by relaxation.

How many sessions will I need? It depends on your condition. Acute problems may resolve in just a few sessions, while chronic conditions may require weekly treatments over several months.

Is acupuncture evidence-based? Yes. Numerous clinical trials support acupuncture’s effectiveness for pain, migraines, osteoarthritis, and more. Brain imaging studies continue to expand our understanding of its effects on the nervous system.

Can acupuncture be combined with Western medicine? Absolutely. Acupuncture is often used alongside conventional treatments and may reduce the need for pain medication or support recovery after surgery.

Is it safe for children and pregnant women? Yes, when performed by a trained professional. Special points are selected to ensure safety during pregnancy and pediatric care.

Takeaways

Acupuncture is more than a needle-based treatment—it is a time-tested, research-supported approach to restoring health and balance. Whether you’re seeking pain relief, stress reduction, or support for a chronic condition, acupuncture can be a powerful addition to your wellness plan.

If you’re curious, consider finding a licensed acupuncturist near you. In the U.S., you can search for board-certified practitioners through the NCCAOM directory. A short consultation is often the first step toward creating a personalized plan for your needs.

References & Resources

• Berman BM, Langevin HM, Witt CM, et al. Acupuncture for chronic low back pain. New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;363(5):454-461.

• Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Avins AL, et al. A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169(9):858-866.

• Hinman RS, McCrory P, Pirotta M, et al. Acupuncture for chronic knee pain: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014;312(13):1313-1322.

• Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;(1):CD001218.

• National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM): www.nccaom.org

• Acupuncture Now Foundation: acupuncturenowfoundation.org

• World Health Organization: Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials. 2002.

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): nccih.nih.gov

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