How Acupuncture Works

From Traditional Theory to Modern Science

Explore how traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture and what modern research has found. Short videos, clear explanations, and sources you can explore.

Acupuncture: The Classical View

Traditional theory · 1:28

Meet qi, meridians, and the traditional idea of balance.

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When an Acupuncture Needle Turns

Study in healthy volunteers · 1:24

A closer look at the tug between a needle and nearby tissue.

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Acupuncture, Pain Signals, and Caffeine

Mouse studies and small human studies · 1:45

A chemical message near the needle, and the research on caffeine.

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Acupuncture and Nerve Messages

Study in mice · 0:58

Follow one nerve response studied with a weak electric pulse.

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Acupuncture and the Brain’s Touch Map

Study in people with carpal tunnel syndrome · 1:23

See how researchers studied hand symptoms, nerves, and touch maps.

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From learning to care

From understanding acupuncture to understanding your care

These videos explore traditional ideas and scientific studies of how acupuncture may affect the body. Clinical research asks another important question: does treatment help people with a particular symptom?

Explore Weidong Lu’s research to see what patients experienced, what remains uncertain, and what you might discuss at a visit.

Weidong Lu’s researchHot flashesDuring breast cancer hormone therapyRead the study summary

Weidong Lu’s researchNumbness and tinglingAfter breast cancer chemotherapyRead the study summary

Explore research by symptom How research informs care