How Acupuncture Affects Your Body: Benefits, Side Effects, and More

• Research shows that acupuncture might help relieve pain and promote relaxation by releasing endorphins and regulating the nervous system. However, the effects vary from person to person, and debates about its effectiveness still continue.
• Acupuncture may offer potential benefits for chronic pain, nausea, and some mental health issues, but it doesn’t work for every condition.
• Side effects are usually mild, like soreness at the needle site, but in rare cases, there could be risks of infection or even organ injury.
• It’s a good option for people dealing with chronic pain or nausea, but it’s not recommended for those with active infections or cancer. Pregnant women should also be cautious.
• Here’s an interesting twist: acupuncture might reduce inflammation by activating the brain’s reward system—a detail backed by science that goes beyond traditional beliefs.

Have you ever wondered how a practice that’s been around for over 3,000 years still finds a place in today’s medical world? Acupuncture, a key pillar of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has captivated people across centuries—and for good reason.

Whether you’re curious about easing chronic pain or simply exploring natural ways to boost your well-being, acupuncture might have crossed your mind. But how does it actually affect your body?

In this article, we’ll dive into the science and tradition behind acupuncture, unpack its benefits, highlight potential side effects, and help you decide if it’s worth a try.

What is Acupuncture?

At its core, acupuncture is a healing technique where ultra-thin needles—about 0.2 mm wide—are inserted into specific spots on your body called acupoints¹. These points sit along pathways known as meridians, which, according to TCM, channel your body’s vital energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”). The idea? When qi flows smoothly and stays balanced between the forces of yin (calm, cool energy) and yang (active, warm energy), you feel healthy. Blockages or imbalances, though, can lead to pain or illness. Acupuncture steps in to unblock those pathways and restore harmony².

Think of it like clearing a traffic jam in your body’s energy highways. While that’s the traditional view, modern science offers a different angle—one we’ll explore shortly.

A Quick Look at Acupuncture’s History

Acupuncture’s roots stretch back over 3,000 years to ancient China, with some evidence pointing to its use as far back as the Xia Dynasty, over 5,000 years ago. The earliest detailed record comes from the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic (Huangdi Neijing), a cornerstone of Chinese medicine written around 100 BCE. This text lays out how acupuncture taps into the body’s meridians to balance qi, setting the stage for a practice that’s evolved yet stayed true to its origins. Today, it’s not just a relic of the past—it’s a global therapy embraced for both treatment and prevention³.

Read more: Chinese Medicine: What It Is, Benefits, Risks and More

How Does Acupuncture Work?

So, how does sticking tiny needles into your skin actually do anything? The answer depends on whether you’re looking through a traditional or scientific lens.

The Traditional Take

In TCM, your health hinges on the smooth flow of qi through meridians—think of them as invisible energy channels connecting your organs and tissues. Needles stimulate specific acupoints along these paths to clear blockages, balance yin and yang, and keep your body humming. It’s not just about fixing what’s wrong; it’s also about staying well—a concept called “treating the not-yet-ill” (zhi wei bing)⁴.

The Science Behind It

Modern research swaps qi for biology. Studies suggest acupuncture triggers real, measurable changes in your body:

• Nervous System Boost: Needles activate nerve fibers, sending signals to your brain to release feel-good chemicals like endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers. This can dial down pain and lift your mood⁵.
• Better Blood Flow: The tiny pricks may improve circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues, which speeds up healing⁶.
• Taming Inflammation: Acupuncture might calm your immune system, reducing inflammation tied to conditions like arthritis⁷.
• System-Wide Effects: It can also nudge your cardiovascular system, hormones, and immune response, making it a whole-body tune-up⁸.

For example, a 2018 study in The Journal of Pain found that acupuncture outperforms sham treatments (fake acupuncture) for chronic pain, hinting at real physiological effects beyond placebo⁹.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture isn’t a magic bullet, but research backs its use for a handful of conditions. Here’s where it shines:

• Pain Relief: From nagging backaches to migraines, acupuncture is a go-to for pain management. A meta-analysis in The Journal of Pain showed it’s effective for chronic pain, often outpacing no treatment or sham acupuncture¹⁰.
• Nausea Control: Feeling queasy after chemo, surgery, or during pregnancy? Acupuncture can help. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) endorses it for nausea relief¹¹.
• Mental Wellness: Early studies suggest it may ease anxiety, depression, and insomnia by tweaking neurotransmitters like serotonin¹². Picture it as a gentle reset for your stressed-out brain.
• Beyond Treatment: In TCM, acupuncture doubles as prevention. Regular sessions might boost immunity, improve sleep, or even steady blood pressure, keeping you healthier longer.

Imagine someone with tense shoulders from too much desk time—acupuncture could loosen them up while calming their mind. It’s this versatility that keeps it relevant.

Potential Side Effects

Acupuncture is generally safe, especially with a skilled practitioner, but it’s not risk-free. Here’s what to watch for¹³:

• Minor Discomfort: You might feel a slight sting, soreness, or see bruising where the needles go in. It’s usually mild and fades fast.
• Fatigue or Dizziness: Some folks feel wiped out or woozy post-session—nothing a quick rest can’t fix.
• Rare Risks: Infection’s a tiny chance if needles aren’t sterile (stick to disposable ones!), and organ injury is even rarer—think one-in-a-million—if needles go too deep.

The key? Go to a licensed pro. Serious issues are almost unheard of when it’s done right.

Read more: Acupuncture Risks and Side Effects: What You Need to Know

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

First-timers often ask, “Does it hurt?” Not really. The needles are hair-thin—0.2 mm wide—so they rarely draw blood or cause more than a fleeting prick¹⁴. Some feel a dull ache or tingle as the needle hits its mark. If it stings too much (say, it nicks a tiny nerve), just tell your practitioner—they’ll tweak it, and the discomfort vanishes. Most people find it so relaxing they doze off mid-session.

Who Should Try Acupuncture?

If you’re wrestling with chronic pain, nausea, or stress—or just want a natural wellness boost—acupuncture could be worth a shot. It’s low-risk and drug-free, making it a solid add-on to your health toolkit. Bonus: it’s not just for fixing problems. Regular sessions might keep your immune system humming and your energy steady¹⁵.

Who Should Skip It?

Acupuncture’s safe for most, but a few folks should think twice¹⁶:

• Bleeding Issues: Got a clotting disorder or on blood thinners? Needles might up your bleeding risk.
• Pregnancy: Some acupoints can trigger labor, so check with your doctor if you’re expecting.
• Skin Trouble: Active infections or sores at needle sites? Hold off until they clear.

Always chat with your healthcare provider first if you’re unsure.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Curious about the experience? You’ll lie on a comfy table while your practitioner slips those tiny needles into key spots. They’ll stay in for 15–30 minutes while you chill—many folks nap! You might feel a quick pinch, then a sense of calm. Afterward, take it easy; some feel energized, others ready for a snooze.

FAQs

Does it hurt?
Not much—think a quick pinch, then relaxation. If it’s uncomfortable, your practitioner can adjust.

How many sessions do I need?
It varies. Some feel better after one go; others need weeks. Your condition and goals set the pace.

Is it safe?
Very, with a trained pro. Side effects are rare and minor—serious risks are almost nil.

What’s the difference from dry needling?
Acupuncture targets qi and whole-body balance; dry needling zooms in on muscle knots. You can find more comparison information in this article.

Bottom Line

Acupuncture blends ancient wisdom with modern science. It’s not about choosing between qi and endorphins—both lenses show it can work. Whether you’re easing a headache or aiming to stay well, it offers a gentle, holistic nudge to your body’s balance. In TCM terms, it’s “treating the not-yet-ill”—a proactive way to thrive.

Ready to give it a go? Talk to your doctor, find a certified practitioner, and see how this time-tested therapy might fit into your life.

Trusted Source

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763 ↩︎
2. NIH Consensus Development Program. Acupuncture –Consensus Development Conference Statement. National Institutes of Health. 3–5 November 1997 [2007-07-17]. ↩︎
3. https://www.britannica.com/science/acupuncture ↩︎
4. https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E9%92%88%E7%81%B8/505004 ↩︎
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1566070210000512 ↩︎
6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3388479/ ↩︎
7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8710088/ ↩︎
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10117649/ ↩︎
9. https://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(18)30154-9/fulltext ↩︎
10. https://www.jpain.org/article/S1526-5900(17)30780-0/fulltext ↩︎
11. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know ↩︎
12. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10838506/ ↩︎
13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10088157/ ↩︎
14. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture ↩︎
15. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4767-acupuncture ↩︎
16. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture ↩︎