How Does Acupuncture Work?

Over the years patients have often asked me, How does acupuncture work? What am I doing when I insert these tiny needles? When their treatment is over they are often amazed at how relaxed they feel. If there is pain, it is lessened, maybe they were experiencing a certain emotion, when they are ready to leave that is no longer the experience. Let me give a brief overview…


Thousands of years ago Chinese physicians identified and mapped out the locations of energetic channels and specific points along these channels, now referred to as meridians or pathways. These meridians or energetic pathways form a highly complex network (not visible to the naked eye) that transports and directs energy to every part of our body.

Acupuncture is a branch of Chinese Medicine that deals with the energy that flows through fourteen major meridians or energetic pathways. Twelve of these meridians are networked on the right and left sides of our body. One of the channels is located on the front midline and one on the midline of the back. In addition there are numerous extra channels and points located throughout the body. The smooth flow of qi or vital energy is essential to achieve optimal health. If a blockage or shift in the amount, flow, or balance of energy occurs this may result in pain, dysfunction, disease and poor health.

The balance of vital energy can be affected by any harmful substance such as environmental toxins, poor nutrition, disease, injury, excessive exposure to heat, dampness or cold, and excessive emotional responses such as anger, worry or anxiety.

Acupuncture needles, which are thinner than a strand of hair, are used on specific points to restore the normal flow of qi. Treating these points allows the acupuncturist to achieve a balanced circulation of energy. As a result of creating this balance, the body can now start to repair and maintain the potential of health that is innate in that particular individual.

Qi can also be referred to as a life force. When there is a balanced distribution of energy along the meridians this can then influence the energy of the organs as well as the other body systems such as the skeletal, muscular, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, nervous, and reproductive systems. Everything in the body works together and when homeostatic balance is achieved; then all the bodies’ internal relationships and interrelationships can work in harmony. This is optimal health.


Some of the main objectives of incorporating acupuncture treatments are to:
-Strengthen the immune system
-Alleviate pain and other symptoms
-Create and maintain a harmonious and balanced integration of mind, body and spirit.

In the ancient text of the Shen Nong Ben Cao, China’s oldest text, it is stated:
“The highest type of medicine helps the patient fulfill their destiny”
“The middle type of medicine helps the patient nourish original nature”
“The lowest type of medicine treats physical illness”

                                                                                                            Denise Zeiff, L.Ac., C.N.S.