QI
Qi is believed to be the life force that flows through the body, and a healthy body will have a balanced flow of Qi. If Qi is blocked or not flowing correctly then illness will occur (Crocker et al.,2007).
Qi also flows through pathways known as meridians and there are 12 of these connected to the lung, heart and liver and its 350 acupuncture points lay along these meridians (Cevik, 2021).
Scientific Basis
Modern research believe there are physiological mechanisms that explain the effects of acupuncture and believe needles activate A- delta and C Nerve fibres, signal then travel to the spinal cord and brain and release endogenous opioids (endorphins) which may then have analgesic effects (Lim et al.,2018).
Its believe that the needles stimulate large sensory fibres, which inhibit pain transmission in the spinal cord, which can reduce the perception of pain (Merrick, 2012).
MRIs have shown that acupuncture affects the limbic system, hypothalamus, Prefrontal cortex and periaqueductal gray , these areas can regulate pain, stress and emotion (Hui et al., 2000)
Research also suggests that acupuncture can reduce pro inflammatory cytokines and modulates the immune system (Torres-Rosas et al 2014)