Acupuncture and how it works

What is acupuncture?

Originating in ancient China and based on the observation of how nature works, acupuncture is a complementary medicine that involves pricking the skin or tissues with very fine needles.

Since its official recognition by the WHO in 1979, acupuncture has been increasingly used in the West to treat functional pathologies, stress and pain management. It is used to treat a variety of physical, mental and emotional conditions, as well as to promote healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

According to the WHO, 170 of its 194 member states use traditional medicine. It is estimated that around 80% of the world's population uses traditional medicine.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture has been used for millennia to treat chronic pain and other inflammation-related health problems, but the scientific basis of the technique remains poorly understood.

Today, a team of researchers led by neuroscientists at Harvard Medical School has elucidated the underlying neurological anatomy of acupuncture that activates a specific signaling pathway, and discovered the neurons required for acupuncture's anti-inflammatory response.