What is Acupuncture and Why Does It Work?
June 22, 2026
Introduction to Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the traditional practice of inserting thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body, a therapy that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. These acupuncture points are often described as little “energy wells” that communicate with the nervous system and connective tissue network throughout the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating these points is believed to influence the flow of Qi (Energy) and Blood, helping restore balance and encourage the body’s natural healing processes.
Interestingly, modern physiological research has explored how acupuncture points may have different electrical properties compared to the surrounding tissue. Special electro devices can detect changes in electrical conductivity at specific acupuncture points, suggesting these areas may be more electrically active than other parts of the skin and muscles. When acupuncture needles are inserted into these points, they may help stimulate nerve pathways, improve circulation, and activate the body’s natural biochemical and electrical signalling systems.
What are Meridians?
Meridians are described in Chinese medicine as invisible pathways that carry Qi, Blood, and information throughout the body. They form an interconnected network linking organs, muscles, emotions, and different body systems together.
One modern theory compares the body’s fascial network to these meridian pathways. Fascia is a continuous web of connective tissue that wraps around and runs through every muscle, organ, nerve, blood vessel, and bone in the body. Rather than viewing the body as separate parts, modern anatomy increasingly recognises the body as one interconnected system, much like the ancient meridian maps described thousands of years ago.
When acupuncture needles are inserted into acupuncture points, they do not only affect the skin surface. The needles also interact with the fascia beneath it. Acupuncturists refer to this response as the “De Qi” sensation, often experienced as a dull ache, heaviness, warmth, tingling, or spreading sensation. This mechanical stimulation can create ripple effects throughout the connective tissue network, influencing muscles, circulation, inflammation, and the nervous system far beyond the needle insertion site itself.
How does Acupuncture help Heal?
One of the most powerful reasons people feel calmer, lighter, and more balanced after acupuncture is its effect on the nervous system.
In modern-day life, many of us spend large amounts of time in a sympathetic nervous system state, commonly referred to as “fight or flight” mode. This is the body’s survival response, designed to protect us during stress or danger. When activated, the body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, increasing heart rate, focus, alertness, and physical readiness.
Importantly, this sympathetic state is not inherently bad. In healthy amounts, it can help us stay motivated, productive, and energised. It allows us to meet deadlines, respond quickly, exercise, solve problems, and navigate the demands of everyday life. This activated state is part of what helps humans function and achieve.
However, problems can arise when the body becomes stuck in this mode for prolonged periods without enough time to recover. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, constant notifications, busy schedules, work pressure, emotional stress, overstimulation, and poor sleep can keep the nervous system in a chronic state of activation. Over time, the body may struggle to switch off and enter the parasympathetic nervous system state, often referred to as “rest and digest.”
This imbalance may contribute to symptoms such as:
- Anxiety and Overwhelm
- Muscle Tension and Chronic Pain
- Digestive Issues
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Fatigue and Burnout
- Poor Sleep and Recovery
Acupuncture helps encourage the body to shift into the parasympathetic state. This is the mode where healing, repair, digestion, hormone regulation, and deep recovery occur. Many people notice that during acupuncture treatments, their breathing deepens, muscles soften, and their thoughts become quieter. Some even fall asleep during treatment. This reflects the body moving out of constant alertness and into a state of safety, rest, and repair.
True health is not about being relaxed all the time or active all the time. It is about balance, much like the concept of Yin and Yang. The body needs moments of activation to function and achieve, but it also requires periods of deep rest to heal and regenerate. Acupuncture helps support this natural rhythm, allowing the body to move more fluidly between these two essential states.
What to Consider when getting Acupuncture?
If you’re considering acupuncture, it’s important to choose a practitioner who is registered with AHPRA (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency). Registered acupuncturists have completed a minimum of four years of university level education, including extensive training in traditional Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture techniques, anatomy, physiology, and clinical practice. This ensures they meet national standards for safety, professionalism, and patient care.
It’s also important to understand the difference between traditional acupuncture and dry needling. While both use fine needles, dry needling is typically taught through short postgraduate courses and focuses primarily on treating musculoskeletal pain. Traditional acupuncture on the other hand, is a comprehensive healthcare system that has been developed over thousands of years and considers the whole person, addressing a wide range of health concerns beyond pain management.
Here at Natural Solutions Acupuncture all of our practitioners are degree-qualified, AHPRA-registered acupuncturists with extensive clinical experience. Our team combines evidence-informed practice with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and provides safe, professional, and personalised care. To make an appointment with one of our practitioners you can click here.
This blog post was written by Dr. Wendy Le (TCM)