15/05/2026
Research continues to show that acupuncture and low level laser therapy may influence the brain and nervous system in powerful ways.
Brain imaging studies using fMRI (functional MRI) and EEG technology suggest that acupuncture can help modulate areas of the brain involved in:
• Pain-processing centres
(helping regulate how the body perceives pain)
• The limbic system
(involved in emotions, stress and emotional regulation)
• Sleep regulation
(supporting relaxation and nervous system balance)
• Dopamine and serotonin pathways
(neurotransmitters linked to mood, motivation and wellbeing)
• Autonomic nervous system balance
(helping shift the body from stress mode into healing mode)
• Neuroplasticity and brain connectivity
(the brain’s ability to adapt, reorganise and heal)
• Blood flow and inflammation in the nervous system
(supporting circulation and tissue recovery)
For example, acupuncture has been studied for:
• Depression and anxiety
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Chronic pain
• PTSD
• Parkinson’s symptoms
• Migraines
• Sleep disorders
• Cognitive function and brain fog
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation or laser acupuncture, may further enhance these effects by delivering light energy into tissues and cells.
Research suggests this may help:
• Support mitochondrial energy production
(helping cells produce energy more efficiently)
• Reduce inflammation
(helping calm irritated or stressed tissues)
• Improve circulation
(supporting oxygen and nutrient delivery)
• Encourage tissue repair and nerve recovery
(helping stimulate healing responses)
• Support brain and nervous system function
(potentially supporting neurological regulation and recovery)
Modern neuroimaging studies have demonstrated measurable changes in brain activity following acupuncture treatment, supporting its role as a gentle, non-invasive approach that may help encourage the body’s own healing mechanisms naturally.
References:
• “Neural mechanisms of acupuncture as revealed by fMRI”
• “Central Nervous Pathway for Acupuncture Stimulation”
• “Decoding the mechanisms of acupuncture by neuroimaging”
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