For centuries, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used acupuncture to address a wide range of health issues. In recent decades, modern neuroscience has begun to validate and explain many of the therapeutic effects practitioners have long observed—particularly in relation to the nervous system.
Modulating the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Acupuncture has been shown to shift the balance between the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) branches of the ANS. Research suggests that acupuncture increases parasympathetic tone, which leads to:
- Lower heart rate and blood pressure
- Improved digestion and sleep
- Reduced anxiety and muscle tension
Stimulating Neurotransmitter Release
Acupuncture can stimulate the release of key neurochemicals in the brain and spinal cord, including:
- Endorphins: Natural painkillers that also elevate mood
- Serotonin: Linked to mood stability and stress resilience
- GABA: An inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps calm the brain
These biochemical effects make acupuncture a powerful tool for managing stress, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
Regulating Nerve Signaling and Pain Perception
Acupuncture stimulates specific nerve fibers, including Aδ and C fibers, which send signals to the spinal cord and brain. This stimulation:
- Disrupts pain signaling pathways
- Activates descending inhibitory pain pathways from the brainstem
- Increases neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and heal
Acupuncture is more than just an energetic or alternative therapy—it produces tangible, measurable effects on the nervous system that are being increasingly supported by scientific research.
By influencing nerve function, supporting neurotransmitter balance, and promoting neurological recovery, acupuncture serves as a holistic, low-risk addition to conventional neurological treatment.
If you struggle with pain or discomfort of any sort, we hope this blog informed you on the neurological aspect of pain and how acupuncture can help with pain relief. If you are interested in acupuncture for pain or nervous system disorders or are unsure about whether it’s right for you, give our office a call at 210-236-5862 for any questions and to schedule a consultation! Here at Essence Acupuncture Wellness of San Antonio, we strongly recommend considering acupuncture as a method of treating and managing neurological disorders and pain. Hope to see you soon!
References:
Longhurst JC. “Acupuncture’s cardiovascular actions: mechanisms and clinical application” — American Journal of Physiology – Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.
Han JS. “Acupuncture and endorphins” — Neuroscience Letters.
Zhao ZQ. “Neural mechanisms of acupuncture as revealed by functional magnetic resonance imaging” — Autonomic Neuroscience.
