Pain and stress are two inseparable parts of life. Whether you are a busy professional commuting to and from work daily, you work from home, or are a stay-at-home mum or dad, you will sometimes feel pain and extremely stressed. When faced with the two, it is only natural to seek relief, and most people turn to painkillers.
But science has shown that addiction to painkillers is bad for health, causing many to turn to an alternative: acupuncture. In today’s blog, we’ll share seven ways acupuncture helps relieve pain and stress. But first, let’s understand what acupuncture is and the most common types.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture originated from traditional Chinese medicine and has existed for over 2,500 years. It involves using very thin, sterile needles at specific points of the body known as acupoints.
Ancient practitioners of acupuncture used it to balance the body’s vital energy, known as Qi, but modern science uses acupoints to stimulate the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues. This stimulation boosts the body’s natural painkillers and increases blood flow, which is why it is very effective for physical injury and mental stress.
There are different types of acupuncture, and the most common include the following:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: This is the most common form, and it focuses on balancing the flow of Qi through meridians (energy pathways) in the body.
- Medical Acupuncture: This is performed by Western-trained doctors. It focuses more on anatomy and using needles to stimulate the nervous system directly.
- Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture: This focuses entirely on the outer ear. It is frequently used for stress, anxiety, and even helping people quit smoking.
- Electroacupuncture: This involves a small, gentle electric current being passed between two needles. Electroaupuncture is particularly powerful for treating chronic muscle pain and inflammation.
- Trigger Point Acupuncture (Dry Needling): This method is often used for sports injuries. It targets knots in the muscle to release tension and improve movement.
- Cupping Therapy: While cupping therapy does not always involve needles, it is often paired with acupuncture. It involves using suction on the skin to improve blood flow and pull tension out of the muscles.
- Moxibustion: This involves burning a small cone of dried herbs (moxa) near the skin to warm and invigorate the flow of blood and energy.
7 Ways Acupuncture Helps Relieve Pain and Stress
Now that we know what acupuncture is and the different types, let’s look at seven specific ways acupuncture helps relieve pain and stress:
1. It Flips the “Off Switch” on Stress
Getting acupuncture helps regulate your Autonomic Nervous System. It nudges your body out of fight or flight mode (the sympathetic nervous system) and into rest and digest mode (the parasympathetic nervous system). This instantly lowers your heart rate and helps that tight feeling in your chest disappear.
2. It Releases “Feel-Good” Chemicals
When acupuncture needles are inserted in your acupoints, your brain is signalled to release endorphins and enkephalins. These are your body’s natural painkillers. They are chemically similar to opioids but without any of the side effects or addiction risks, making you feel naturally relaxed and euphoric.
3. It Lowers Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. When you are chronically stressed, cortisol stays high, leading to weight gain, anxiety, and poor sleep. Clinical studies have shown that regular acupuncture sessions can significantly lower the level of cortisol in your blood, helping you feel calmer throughout the day.
4. It Improves Blood Flow and Circulation
Pain is often caused by stagnation, where blood isn’t moving well to an injured area. When you get acupuncture, it causes your blood vessels to dilate (widen), which sends a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients to sore muscles and joints. This speed-up in circulation helps injuries heal faster and reduces inflammation.
5. It Relaxes “Trigger Points” (Muscle Knots)
For physical pain, acupuncturists often target your trigger points. These are tight bands of muscle that stay contracted. The acupuncture needle causes a micro-trauma that forces the muscle to twitch and then completely release, providing immediate relief for back pain, neck tension, and tech neck.
6. It Reduces Systemic Inflammation
Chronic stress and pain often lead to inflammation in the body. Research has shown that acupuncture decreases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (proteins that signal inflammation). Reducing this internal fire helps with everything from arthritis to tension headaches.
7. It Helps You Get Deeper Sleep
Stress and pain are the two biggest enemies of a good night’s rest. Because acupuncture increases the production of serotonin (which comes before melatonin, the sleep hormone), many patients find they fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Better sleep, in turn, makes you more resilient to pain the next day.
Conclusion
From all we’ve said, it is evident that acupuncture is more than an ancient tradition, but a vital treatment for stress and pain. By working with your body’s natural systems, it helps you manage chronic pain and mounting stress without the need for heavy medication or invasive procedures. So, when next you feel pain or extremely stressed, rather than taking painkillers, consider going for an acupuncture session.
Would you be trying acupuncture, or have you tried it before? Let us know in the comments.
