Many people considering treatment ask the question: how does acupuncture actually work? Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, yet modern research is now helping explain how it influences the nervous system, circulation and natural healing processes. At Authentic Acupuncture in Balmain, Brendan Charles Meek brings over 25 + years of clinical experience helping patients across Sydney’s Inner West improve their health using acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a therapy that involves inserting very fine sterile needles into specific points on the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, these points are used to influence the body’s internal balance and circulation. Each internal organ, the heart, lung, liver, kidney etc, possesses a meridian, an area of flow, which has points along it’s length which are stimulated to regulate disorders along it’s pathways. From a modern perspective, acupuncture is thought to stimulate parts of the nervous system and thus triggering a natural healing response. Treatments are always tailored to the individual and their specific condition.
HOW ACUPUNCTURE WORKS IN THE BODY
Nervous System Activation
Acupuncture is thought to stimulate sensory nerves which send signals to the brain and spinal cord. This may help regulate how pain is processed and can reduce sensitivity in overactive nerve pathways.
Natural Pain Relief
Acupuncture may encourage the release of endorphins and other natural chemicals that help reduce pain and promote relaxation. From an Eastern Medicine perspective, pain represents a blockage. Acupuncture aims to relieve those blockages by stimulating acupuncture points along the meridian pathways.
Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation is a key driver of many chronic conditions. Acupuncture may help regulate inflammatory processes and support tissue recovery. Inflammation may be localised, as in the case of sport injuries. Or, inflammation may be systemic such as that can occur in long standing diseases and conditions.
Improved Circulation
Acupuncture may increase blood flow to affected areas, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients that support healing. When blood flow is sluggish due to chronic inflammation or peripheral vascular constriction, healing and pain relief can be compromised. Acupuncture seeks to remedy this situation.
ACUPUNCTURE AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Many modern health conditions are linked to stress and nervous system imbalance. Acupuncture may help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest, recovery and healing. This is why many patients feel deeply relaxed during treatment and often report improved sleep and reduced stress levels. Conversely when the sympathetic nervous system is overactive or ‘switched on’ for too long, dis-ease and discomfort may ensue.
CONDITIONS ACUPUNCTURE MAY HELP WITH
At our Balmain acupuncture clinic, patients commonly seek treatment for a range of conditions including:
• Sciatica and nerve pain
• Neck and back pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Anxiety and stress
• Vertigo and tinnitus
WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE FEEL LIKE
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and most patients find treatment comfortable. Sensations may include a gentle tingling, warmth or heaviness around the needle site. Many people find acupuncture sessions deeply relaxing and may even fall asleep during treatment.
WHY EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Brendan Charles Meek is an experienced acupuncturist with over 25 years of clinical experience. At Authentic Acupuncture in Balmain, treatments are tailored to each patient using a combination of traditional acupuncture techniques and modern clinical understanding. The clinic serves patients across Balmain and Sydney’s Inner West including Rozelle, Drummoyne, Birchgrove, Leichhardt and Lilyfield.
Book an Appointment
If you are curious about how acupuncture works and whether it may help your condition, you are welcome to book a consultation at Authentic Acupuncture Balmain. Treatments are personalised to support your health and wellbeing.
