How Does Acupuncture Work?

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One question I get asked all the time is: “how does acupuncture work?” Well, in a word, acupuncture is all about increasing circulation. When an acupuncture needle pierces the skin, A “microtrauma” stimulates blood flow to the insertion site as part of the body's natural healing response. Everything the body needs to heal is in the blood: oxygen, minerals, immune substances, hormones, and pain blocking chemicals. depending on where the acupuncture pin is placed, this natural response can be utilized to benefit the body’s health in different ways. Some Acupuncture points are focused on muscles to help reduce tightness and tension or reduce pain in the joints. Other points are focused on nerves that control internal organ function or stimulate glands of the endocrine system. Other points are communicating with the central nervous system to promote the release of natural pain blocking chemicals such as endorphins or norepinephrine.

But perhaps most importantly, Acupuncture is helping to reduce the effects of stress on the body. When our bodies come under stress, the sympathetic nervous system, or the “fight or flight response”, is triggered. This natural response to stress causes increase of respiration, increase of heart rate, increased tightness and tension in the muscles, and decreased pain threshold. Further, the “fight or flight” response triggers the release of cortisol, the body’s “stress hormone”. elevated cortisol causes a cascade of effects that disrupts hormone balance and internal organ function. Acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system via the Vagus nerve to counterbalance the sympathetic nervous system and help promote a sense of relaxation, improved internal organ function, optimal hormone balance, and reduced pain threshold.

If you or someone you know would like to find out more about how acupuncture works and it’s natural health benefits, please click on the link to our website to request a free 15-minute phone consultation today. Thank you and I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Sincerely,

Joe Recsnik L.Ac, DCCM

Licensed Chinese herbalist, acupuncturist, lead herbal pharmacist,

& Founder of POPULUSS Classical Eastern Healing

Proudly serving the nearby communities of Venice, Mar Vista, Inglewood, Ladera Heights, Palms, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Westwood, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Culver City, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, Westchester. LAX and Greater Los Angeles

Joe Recsnik L.Ac, DCCM offers a brief explanation of how acupuncture works.