In Traditional Chinese Medical theory, acupuncture works by restoring balance to the meridian channel system; draining stagnation and blockage in areas where too much Qi is accumulated, and boosting and tonifying areas of insufficient flow. The goal is to have a smooth flow of qi and good reservoirs of blood, yin, and essence.

From a scientific perspective there have been tests done where patients had blood taken before and after Acupuncture. What they found is that Acupuncture boosts the immune system (it raises levels of specific hormones, prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, and overall anti-body levels). It also stimulates the secretions of endorphins in the body, as well as affects neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin and noradrenalin, thus de-stressing an individual. This is why people feel like they are floating on a cloud after a treatment. It has the effect of constricting or dialating blood vessels. This may be caused by the body’s release of vasodilators, such as histamine, in response to Acupuncture. Acupuncture also closes certain nerve gates by strategically overloading them with impulses, thus reducing pain transmission.