How Does Acupuncture Work?

One the most common questions I get as an acupuncturist is how does it work? Let me explain in one of the easiest ways to understand ONE way in which it works. The needle acts as foreign object in body, and your body has a built in mechanism to get it out and repaid any damage. Substance P is a neuropeptide that acts as a muscle relaxer so the needle, or any foreign object, can easily fall out. The neuropeptide also activates the immune system which brings down local inflammation. Therefore often we use a needle in the area of pain. But not always! There other ways in which acupuncture works but it would take a lot longer to explain theory and background to get some idea of the amazing benefits of acupuncture!