How Acupuncture and Dry Needling Work
Acupuncture and dry needling have been studied extensively for the last 50+ years and the basic mechanisms of action are now well understood. There is no longer a need to get lost in esoteric discussions of “Qi” and “meridians” as they relate to the use of needles. This article will give a summary of the established science on how needles can promote a beneficial change in the body.
First off, we can start with debunking the basic history of Chinese Medicine and how we are generally told that acupuncture works. The Western idea that Chinese medicine is an energetic, metaphysical medicine was created by a French bank clerk named Georges Soulie de Morant in the early 1900’s. Unfortunately, de Morant lacked any training in medicine or ancient Chinese language. De Morant’s explanation of concepts like Qi and Meridians was neither historically accurate nor consistent with science, even the science of his time.
“It is a fact that more than 95 % of all literature published in western languages on Chinese medicine reflect western expectations rather than Chinese historical reality.”
-Paul Unschuld, historian of Chinese medicine
More on this topic can be found in Chris Kresser’s article on Chinese Medicine Demystified.
Acupuncture needles have been shown to act on several mechanisms in the body, and the details of these mechanisms are discussed below. These physiology can become complicated, however the basis of acupuncture is quite simple. Acupuncture’s effect is dependent on the stimulation of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This has been confirmed by the fact that when nerves innervating acupoints are blocked acupuncture needles have little or no effect. Below we fill first cover systemic effects and later the local effects of needling.
Systemic Effects (Acupuncture Related):
On a systemic level, research suggests that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to release natural chemicals that alter hormonal output, pain response, and other biological processes. In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) conducted an extensive review and analysis of clinical trials involving acupuncture. According to this report acupuncture impacts the body on multiple systemic levels, concluding it:
- Stimulates conduction of electro-magnetic signals, which can promote immune system cells and/or pain-killing chemicals.
- Activates the body’s endogenous opioid system, which may help reduce pain and induce better sleep quality.
- Stimulates brain centers including the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which modulate numerous body systems into homeostasis. Changes in the secretion of neurotransmitters and endocrine hormones, which may positively affect brain chemistry.
In the World Health Organization’s video, a team of researchers, including an acupuncturist, conducted an experiment for the first time in history. Using MRI imaging techniques, the research study visually demonstrated that acupuncture has a very real and measurable effect on the brain. Acupuncture does something completely remarkable – it deactivates certain area of the brain, particularly in the limbic system. In this process there is decreasing neuronal activity, which in turn suppresses pain and overactive nervous system patterns. Their experiment also clearly showed that fake (sham) needling did NOT have this effect. The limbic system is a deep brain center associated with the experience of pain, adding further evidence that something very unique happens during acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture fundamentally alters the experience of pain by shutting down these deeper brain regions that are over-active in chronic pain conditions and in chronic stress patterns.
Local Effects (Dry Needling Related):
In addition, scientific research on needling has shown measurable local activity in specific body systems including:
- Acupuncture and dry needling increase peripheral blood flow to local tissues. An increase in blood flow is significant because all tissues of the body need a rich supply of blood to heal and thrive. Blood brings oxygen, nutrients, vitamins, immune complexes, hormones, and anti-inflammatory substances. Blood flow can actually become reduced in chronic injuries, as well as in certain diseases and general aging. Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow and vasodilation in local of the body.
- Acupuncture increases the neural pain threshold. This effect occurs through the release of natural painkillers. Inserting an acupuncture needle sends a signal from the peripheral nervous system to the brain and in response the brain releases chemicals such as endorphins, norepinephrine and enkephalin. Some of these natural substances are 10-200 times more powerful than opioid drugs such as morphine.
- Needling triggers the body’s innate healing mechanisms by stimulating repair of local tissues, ultimately leading to a faster healing. After needling the body responds to the “micro traumas” induced by needles and sends a flood of repair cells to respond and heal the effected area.
- Dry needling can help reset and relax hypertonic (shortened) muscles. This in turn releases pressure on joint structures and nerves, and improves local blood flow. Muscles often develop trigger points which can be effectively be released through traditional acupuncture or dry needling.
Experimental models of pain have also indicated that acupuncture needles may have an anti-inflammatory action by having a modulatory effect on the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. These results have been supported by clinical findings showing a reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory molecules after acupuncture in patients with osteoarthritic pain and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
The following reference websites can provide you with additional information on acupuncture research and the science of acupuncture:
World Health Organization (WHO)
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Connective Tissue Fibroblast Response to Acupuncture: Dose-Dependent Effect of Bidirectional Needle Rotation
The Science of Stretch
Chris Kresser, LAc – Chinese Medicine Demystified