The mechanism by which acupuncture works is not clearly understood. There are, however, several hypothesis that attempt to unravel the mysteries behind this ancient healing art. Below, I will briefly introduce two theories that have gained some acceptance in the scientific community. I will also share with you a few thoughts on acupuncture's healing qualities from a traditional Chinese medicine's perspective including the concept of Qi. Endorphins Experiments with the Endorphin System of laboratory animals, has shed light on a possible mechanism responsible for acupuncture's healing effect in the human body .
Endorphins are natural opiate-like chemicals produced by the brain.
In humans, these peptides play an important role in the control of emotional behavior and, in particularly, with the emotions that are connected to acute or chronic pain and the behavior associated to each. Acupuncture research suggests that the stimulation of specific points in the body triggers some regions of the brain including the pituitary gland, to produce endorphins. Recent evidence seems to imply that endorphins' influence on the nervous system spreads beyond that of pain management. We now know that these chemicals affect numerous regions of the central and peripheral nervous system including areas responsible for the regulation of blood pressure. Clinical experience has demonstrated that acupuncture has beneficial effects on patients with high blood pressure.