
04/21/2025
Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system—what’s known as the ‘rest and digest’ state.
Here’s how 🤓
1. Neurotransmitter Regulation:
Acupuncture stimulates specific points that activate sensory nerves, which send signals to the brain and spinal cord. This leads to the release of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine (key to parasympathetic activity) and endorphins, which promote relaxation and pain relief.
2. Vagal Nerve Activation:
Some acupuncture points (especially those on the ear and neck) can stimulate the vagus nerve, the main highway of the parasympathetic nervous system. When activated, the vagus nerve slows heart rate, promotes digestion, and calms the stress response.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Modulation:
Acupuncture helps regulate the HPA axis, which controls stress hormones like cortisol. Lower cortisol levels signal the body it’s safe to shift from survival mode (sympathetic) into healing mode (parasympathetic).
3. Heart Rate Variability (HRV):
Studies show that acupuncture can increase HRV, a marker of a healthy balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic tone. Higher HRV is associated with resilience and calm.
This shift lowers cortisol, slows the heart rate, and signals the body that it’s safe to relax and repair.
Most people fall into what we call an ✨ acu-nap ☁️ or a restorative, dreamlike state that leaves you feeling clearer, lighter, and more grounded than when you walked in. 😇
Booking is available on acuworldfl.com or give us a call/text at (239)544-7794 🩵