How Does Acupuncture Relieve Pain?

Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture. Whether it’s due to an acute injury, chronic inflammation, or muscular tension, acupuncture is increasingly recognised as a complementary therapy for pain management. But how does it work?

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms, helping to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote relaxation, all of which contribute to pain relief.

The Role of Acupuncture in Pain Relief

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, pain is often linked to Qi (energy) stagnation or blood blockages. When energy or circulation becomes obstructed, discomfort and stiffness can develop. Acupuncture aims to restore balance by targeting specific points along the body’s meridians, helping to:

• Encourage circulation to the affected area.
• Reduce muscle tension and stiffness.
• Support the body’s natural ability to decrease inflammation.

From a Western medical perspective, acupuncture is believed to work by:

• Triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers (Mayo Clinic, 2021)
• Modulating neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which influences pain perception (Better Health Channel, 2022)
• Improving blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues
• Regulating the nervous system, shifting the body into a relaxed state and reducing stress-related pain

What Does the Research Say?

Studies suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial for a variety of pain conditions:

• A meta-analysis published in The Journal of Pain (2018) found that acupuncture was more effective than placebo treatments for chronic pain conditions, including back pain, osteoarthritis, and headaches (Vickers et al., 2018).
• Another study in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reported that acupuncture may help manage musculoskeletal pain and reduce reliance on pain medications (MacPherson et al., 2017).

While individual results vary, many patients report reduced pain levels and improved mobility after acupuncture treatments.

What to Expect from Acupuncture for Pain Relief

At True Health, pain management treatments begin with a detailed consultation to understand the root cause of discomfort. Depending on the condition, a customised acupuncture plan may include:

• Acupuncture to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Electroacupuncture, which applies mild electrical pulses to enhance effects.
• Cupping therapy or heat therapy to improve circulation and muscle relaxation.
• Lifestyle and movement recommendations to support long-term pain relief.

The number of treatments required depends on the severity, duration, and nature of the pain, but many patients experience gradual improvements over multiple sessions.

The Takeaway

Acupuncture may help manage pain by supporting the body’s natural ability to heal, regulate inflammation, and promote relaxation. While it is not a replacement for medical care, it can be a valuable complementary therapy for those seeking a holistic approach to pain relief.

If you’re experiencing pain and wondering if acupuncture is right for you, our team at True Health is happy to answer any questions you may have.