How Does Acupuncture Work?
- Katie Robinette LAc
- Jun 30
- 2 min read

A common question about acupuncture is, of course, How Does Acupuncture Work? The typical answer is that it balances the the body’s energies by freeing up blockages and restoring flow. When circulation is restored, the body is able to heal. Circulation here refers to everything that moves in the body, including blood, lymph, and electrical signaling in the connective tissue and nerves.
The flows within the body are likened to a river. When a river is flowing smoothly, the water stays fresh and vital. If a tree falls in the river and impedes the flow, then the flow stops in that area and debris collects. This area can get full of algae and sludge. Remove the tree (obstruction) and the river flows, naturally clearing out the debris and restoring health to the river.
Is this idea of acupuncture “opening blockages and restoring flow” supported by modern science? Yes! So what does that actually look like, and how does it enable healing to occur? There are many scientific studies that illustrate various ways that acupuncture creates more flow in the body. Here are a few examples:
Increased blood flow to the arm and hand by regulating nitric oxide
Researchers found increased activity of nitric oxide at acupuncture points and along acupuncture meridians, and believe that acupuncture might regulate nitric oxide levels. In a small randomized, double-bind crossover study, Nitric oxide was significantly increased in the plasma of the acupuncture arm and also in the hand of the treated arm. They concluded that acupuncture increases nitric oxide levels in the treated areas and thereby increases local circulation. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17242084/)
Increased cerebral blood flow velocity by needling a point on the arm
Korean researchers wanted to find out why the acupuncture point LI11, found on the elbow crease, is often recommended for stroke rehabilitation. Using a transcranial doppler device, they found positive changes to the blood flow in the brain, which they believe is due to blood vessel dilation in the anterior cerebral artery region. Other studies have seen popular acupuncture points increasing cerebral blood flow to certain brain regions by using fMRI. (https://www.jkom.org/journal/view.php?number=5063)
Release contracted muscles
Trigger points are found in tight muscle bands and are a common cause of pain. These tight areas release inflammatory molecules and reduce oxygen in the tissues, which creates a feedback loop for more pain. Trigger points are caused by trauma to the muscle, repetetive use, or posture. Needling these points can cause the muscle to twitch and release, or tighten around the needle and feel achy, which will release the muscle after a few minutes. This restores healthy blood flow to flush out the build up the inflammatory chemicals, and reoxygenates the tissues.
These are just a few examples of what clearing blockages and restoring flow looks like in real life. The language of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can sound abstract and woo-woo to us, so I hope that these concrete examples help give you more confidence in this natural, holistic medicine.
Do you want to experience the benefits of acupuncture? I'd love to see you!
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