Acupuncture: How Does it Reduce Inflammation?

Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained recognition in modern medical communities for its potential health benefits, particularly in reducing inflammation. In this post, we explore the mechanisms of acupuncture, its effects on inflammation, and the research supporting these claims.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points. These points are believed to be connected by pathways called meridians, which facilitate the flow of vital energy, or "qi" (pronounced "chee"). By stimulating these points, acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote the body's natural healing processes.

The Connection Between Acupuncture and Inflammation

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues, including arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Acupuncture is thought to mitigate inflammation through several mechanisms:

Modulation of Immune Response:

Acupuncture may influence the activity of various immune cells and cytokines (proteins that regulate immune responses), thereby reducing inflammatory processes.

Regulation of the Nervous System:

By stimulating acupoints, acupuncture can affect the nervous system, releasing neurotransmitters and neuropeptides with anti-inflammatory properties.

Regulation of the Nervous System:

Improved circulation from acupuncture can help deliver anti-inflammatory substances more efficiently to affected areas.

Research

Recent studies have provided substantial evidence supporting acupuncture's role in reducing inflammation:

1. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2021): A comprehensive review published in Frontiers in Immunology analysed multiple clinical trials and found that acupuncture significantly reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. c

2. Neuroinflammatory Diseases (2020): Research highlighted in The Journal of Neuroinflammation demonstrated that acupuncture reduces neuroinflammation by regulating the expression of inflammatory mediators and enhancing the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This is particularly relevant for conditions like Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis, where chronic inflammation plays a key role.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis (2018): A study published in Clinical Rheumatology focused on patients with rheumatoid arthritis, showing that acupuncture significantly decreased inflammatory markers and improved clinical symptoms. The study suggested that acupuncture could reduce the reliance on conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, which often have adverse side effects.

4. Animal Studies: Numerous animal studies have elucidated the pathways through which acupuncture exerts its anti-inflammatory effects. For instance, an Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine study on rats found that acupuncture at specific points reduced inflammation by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a crucial role in stress and immune responses.

Mechanisms of Action

The precise mechanisms by which acupuncture reduces inflammation are still being explored, but several key processes have been identified:

Neuroendocrine Regulation: 

Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and enkephalins, which have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

Activation of the Vagus Nerve:

This nerve plays a critical role in controlling inflammation, and acupuncture has been shown to enhance its activity, reducing inflammatory cytokine production.

Gene Expression Modulation:

Some studies suggest that acupuncture can influence the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response, thereby reducing overall inflammation at a molecular level.

Practical Applications and Considerations

While the evidence supporting acupuncture for inflammation is promising, it is essential to approach treatment with proper medical guidance. Here are a few practical considerations:

Qualified Practitioners:

Always seek treatment from licensed and experienced acupuncturists to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Adjunct Therapy:

Acupuncture should be considered part of a comprehensive treatment plan, particularly for chronic inflammatory conditions.

Individual Response:

The efficacy of acupuncture can vary from person to person, so it may require several sessions to observe significant benefits.

Acupuncture presents a valuable and increasingly validated option for managing inflammation. With a growing body of research supporting its efficacy, acupuncture offers a complementary approach to conventional anti-inflammatory treatments. As science continues to uncover the mechanisms behind its benefits, acupuncture could become integral to a holistic health approach effectively managing inflammation and improving health outcomes.

References:

1. Application and Evaluation of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases Chen Chen, Liming Lu, Chunzhi Tang, Myeong Soo Lee and Nenggui Xu (2020)

2. Neural Networks and the Anti-inflammatory Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Depression. Liu, CH., Yang, MH., Zhang, GZ. et al. Journal of Neuroinflammation 17, 54 (2020).

3. Effectiveness of Acupuncture on Pain, Physical Function and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Evidence.Seca, S., Miranda, D., Cardoso, D. et al. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 25, 704–709 (2019).

4. Acupuncture Relieves the Excessive Excitation of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Cortex Axis Function and Correlates with the Regulatory Mechanism of GR, CRH, and ACTHR. Shao-Jun Wang, Jiao-Jiao Zhang, Li-Li Qie, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2014, Article ID 495379, ,