Needles relieve pain primarily through mechanisms employed in acupuncture.
Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body, most commonly used to treat pain (as noted on 20-Apr-2024). The exact mechanisms by which acupuncture and needles relieve pain are complex and not fully understood, but several theories exist:
- Stimulation of Nerves and Muscles: The needles stimulate nerves and muscles, potentially triggering the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
- Gate Control Theory: Acupuncture may activate nerve fibers that "close the gate" to pain signals traveling to the brain.
- Modulation of the Brain: Studies suggest acupuncture affects areas of the brain involved in pain processing, such as the somatosensory cortex.
While the underlying mechanisms continue to be researched, acupuncture, which utilizes needles, is a widely accepted method for pain relief.
