Western medical research has reached the conclusion that acupuncture can stimulate the immune system, increase secretion of digestive juices and enzymes, positively affect the circulation, blood pressure, rhythm and stroke volume of the heart, stimulate production of red and white blood cells, and regulate hormonal balance.
Recent evidence has shown that it is an effective treatment for pain, in part because of its ability to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” brain chemicals.
Over the last twenty years, many hospitals, rehab centers, infertility clinics, and well-respected cancer care facilities, including Sloan Kettering, have integrated acupuncture into their treatment services. For additional scientific information on acupuncture, visit the acupuncture page on the National Institutes of Health – National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which is conducting ongoing research.