How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture influences the central nervous system by calming the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response and enhancing the ‘rest and digest’ state, supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

Research shows that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins—our body’s natural painkillers—along with other neurotransmitters that regulate mood, the immune system, digestion, and hormones.

These effects make acupuncture a valuable complementary therapy for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches and migraines, anxiety, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, and fertility concerns.

Acupuncture is used within the NHS and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for chronic pain and headaches. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recognises its benefits for various conditions.

With thousands of clinical trials and over two thousand years of practice, acupuncture is a well-established treatment rooted in both research and tradition.