How does acupuncture help for pain relief?

I am frequently asked exactly how acupuncture works to provide pain relief. Although there are several ways it helps, here are some of the most common.

1. Using a needle to stimulate nerve fibers, the brain releases pain-relieving beta-endorphins into the blood stream. These endogenous chemicals act as the body's own opioids, thus relieving pain.

2. Another theory proposes acupuncture changes cells in connective tissue around the pressure points in lasting ways that lead to less pain.

3. Further, it is theorized that certain acupoints stimulate the vagus nerve which runs between the colon and the brain stem, which in turn helps to reduce systemic inflammation.

Additionally, new research shows us, via functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), how the brain responds to needling specific points on the body. This is fascinating new evidence and hopefully will continue to help us learn more about acupuncture's effect on our health.

If you are in the greater Tulsa area and in need of safe, effective and drug-free pain relief, please contact me at (918) 688-1169 or email me at j.luker112@gmail.com.