Acupuncture needles decrease inflammation at a cellular level to reduce pain, swelling, and the body's inflammatory response.

Microtrauma at the sites of acupuncture points encourage the body to mobilize red and white blood cells to encourage tissue recovery and circulation.

Studies using fMRI technology demonstrate that acupuncture activates a parasympathetic response within the brain during treatment. This is the opposite of the 'fight or flight' response, and explains how acupuncture can have a sedative, relaxing effect and improve digestion and sleep.

Acupuncture has been shown to cause the brain to release natural 'painkiller' chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and serotonin - both essential for pain relief and mental wellbeing.

Acupuncture may affecting pain-modulating neurotransmitters such as met-enkephalin and substance P along the nociceptive pathway of the brain. 

Acupuncture may affect the hypothalamus pituitary axis and reduce the release of the luteinizing hormone in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.