Acupuncture is often used in wellness settings to support both physical and emotional health with gentle stimulation in specific points on the body. This process may influence the body’s natural chemical responses related to mood and relaxation, which can have an impact on overall mental well-being. Here is more information about acupuncture and its potential effects:
What Acupuncture Is
Acupuncture involves the placement of very thin needles at specific points on the body based on the practitioner’s evaluation. While the experience varies, the sensation can be more similar to light pressure or warmth rather than discomfort.
During an appointment, practitioners select bodily points based on the concern being addressed, and the approach can change from visit to visit. The practitioner controls the needle placement and the depth to match the targeted point. Many sessions take place in quiet settings to promote relaxation during the process. Acupuncture encourages mental and physical stillness, which can help ease physical tension as the session progresses.
Acupuncture and Mental Health
Acupuncture may influence neurotransmitter activity, including the release of serotonin and dopamine, which help with mood regulation. Serotonin contributes to emotional balance, and dopamine is linked to motivation and reward responses. An increase in these chemicals may lead to improved mood overall.
Because stress often affects both mental and physical sensations, point stimulation may help interrupt tension cycles linked to daily pressure. Serotonin and dopamine also contribute to sleep quality, so their release may be associated with improvements in insomnia. Individuals experiencing anxiety may notice calming effects as the nervous system responds to needle placement and controlled breathing during the session. Releasing dopamine and serotonin may also help relieve some symptoms of depression in certain individuals.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief
Acupuncture is often used to relieve chronic pain. The chronic pain experienced with the following conditions may reduce with acupuncture:
- Arthritis: a condition that damages joints in the body, resulting in pain and stiffness.
- Sports injuries: conditions such as muscle strain or tendinitis that are often sustained during sports or physical activity.
- Migraines: severe headaches that last at least four hours and up to multiple days.
- Menstrual cramps: cramps that commonly occur in the days before a menstrual cycle begins.
- Back pain: typically caused by an injury to the tendons or muscles in the back.
Acupuncture may affect how the body interprets pain signals by interacting with nerves and muscles at specific points. Because pain can influence mood and stress levels, addressing discomfort indirectly supports emotional well-being in some cases.
In conditions that involve muscle tension, acupuncture can help relax this tension and relieve headaches and migraines. This therapy may help relieve knee pain and pain from sports injuries, and these conditions are often addressed over multiple appointments.
Learn More About Acupuncture
Acupuncture can cause the body to release dopamine and serotonin, which can foster an overall sense of well-being. This therapy can also help relieve pain from certain conditions, and this relief could also increase mental well-being. To learn more about acupuncture and its potential benefits, consult with a healthcare provider.
