How Does Acupuncture Work?

The recent article in the New York Times has sparked interest and a growing curiosity regarding Acupuncture from a Western view. This is not the first, nor the only, Western scientific explanation of the mechanism of acupuncture needles. It has been long studied and clincially proven with statistically significant evidence that acupuncture can work via the Nervous System. Specifically, by the

needles affecting neurovascular bundles, nerve trunks and peripheral nerves. It has been studied that specific points on meridians, do, in fact, affect the vagus nerve, sciatic nerve, trigeminal nerve, tibail nerve, radial nerve, median nerve, the spinal dorsal rami, etc etc. These points effect the pain associated with the nerve innervention, but also the organs and muscles that are connected to them as well.

Studies can also identify the specific neurotransmitters that are affected by acupuncture. This is referring to our natural production of opioids, dopamine, and endorphins. That means we know which nerves are responding when there is a reduction in pain, that feel-good zen moment on the table, as well as our reactions to certain types of acupuncture and needle stimulation.

Nielsen, A., Dusek, J. A., Taylor-Swanson, L., & Tick, H. (2022). Acupuncture Therapy as an Evidence-Based Nonpharmacologic Strategy for Comprehensive Acute Pain Care: The Academic Consortium Pain Task Force White Paper Update. Pain Medicine, 23(9), 1582–1612. View on Oxford Academic. [1]

Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. (2025). Acupuncture Safety in the Hospital Setting: The Congruence of the CCAHM Clean Needle Technique and the Joint Commission Standards. White Paper. View on CCAHM. [1, 2]

Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) Insights / Systemic Overview: Sham acupuncture techniques are not inert: An overview. (2026). Journal of Integrative Medicine / ScienceDirect. View on ScienceDirect. [1]

Goldman, N., Chen, M., Fujita, T., et al. (2010). Adenosine A1 receptors mediate local anti-nociceptive effects of acupuncture. Nature Neuroscience, 13(7), 883–888. View on Nature. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Han, J. S. (2004). Acupuncture and endorphins. Neuroscience Letters, 361(1-3), 258-261. (Covers the classic 2Hz vs 100Hz frequency endorphin and dynorphin release mechanism). [1, 2, 3]

Torres-Rosas, R., et al. (2014). Dopamine mediates vagal modulation of the immune system by electroacupuncture. Nature Medicine, 20(3), 291–295. (Explains the anti-inflammatory pathway triggered at point ST36 via the vagus nerve). [1, 2, 3]

Melzack, R., Stillwell, D. M., & Fox, E. J. (1977). Trigger points and acupuncture points for pain: correlations and implications. Pain, 3(1), 3-23. (The foundational text linking traditional points to trigger points and peripheral nerve lines). [1]