Acupuncture has been widely studied and proven to be effective in the treatment of many conditions. How does it work physiologically? Simply, acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well being. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow to the area of pain, stimulate the immune system, calm the nervous system, stimulate the release of dopamine and other pain relieving neurotransmitters in the brain, balance hormones, and release bound up muscular and facial tissue. Essentially acupuncture restores balance and function within your body.