How Acupuncture Can Activate the Body’s Anti-Inflammatory Pathways

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help reduce pain, calm the nervous system, and support healing, but one of the most common questions we hear is:

“How does acupuncture actually work?”

Thanks to emerging research, we’re getting clearer answers, especially when it comes to inflammation.

Recent findings from Harvard Medical School are shedding light on why certain acupuncture points are especially powerful for reducing inflammation, and the results are pretty exciting.

What Did Harvard Researchers Discover?

Harvard scientists recently identified the biological reason specific acupuncture points can trigger an anti-inflammatory response in the body.

They discovered that acupuncture can activate a particular communication pathway between the nervous system and the adrenal glands—called the vagal-adrenal axis—but only when certain nerves are involved.

These nerves are a specific type of sensory neuron known as PROKR2-marked neurons. Think of them as special messengers that help the body switch from an inflammatory state into a calmer, more regulated one.

Why Acupuncture Point Location Matters

Here’s the really interesting part: these special neurons aren’t found everywhere in the body.

In the study (which was done on mice), researchers found that PROKR2-marked neurons were concentrated in a specific area of the hind limb. When acupuncture stimulated that area, it triggered a strong anti-inflammatory response. When other areas were stimulated, that same response didn’t happen.

This helps explain something acupuncturists have known for a long time:

Not all acupuncture points do the same thing.

As Dr. Qiufu Ma, senior author of the study, explained, understanding where these nerve fibers are located allows researchers—and clinicians—to better predict which points will be most effective for reducing inflammation.

Why This Matters for Inflammation & Chronic Conditions

Inflammation plays a role in many health concerns, including:

• Chronic pain

• Autoimmune conditions

• Metabolic and blood sugar issues

• Cardiovascular health

• Immune overreactions, like cytokine storms

  
  

This research suggests acupuncture isn’t just helping symptoms, it’s actively communicating with the nervous system to influence immune and inflammatory responses.

The researchers even noted that these findings could help fine-tune treatments by adjusting:

• Which points are used

• How deeply needles are placed

• The intensity of stimulation

That means acupuncture may become an even more targeted and strategic tool for supporting specific conditions.

Ancient Practice, Modern Science

What we love about this research is that it bridges ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience.

What traditional medicine described as energetic pathways, modern science is now mapping through nerves, signaling systems, and measurable biological effects. Different language, same powerful idea.

For patients, this reinforces something important:

Acupuncture isn’t just relaxing, it’s biologically active.

A Personalized Approach Makes All the Difference

Acupuncture works best when it’s personalized. The right points, chosen for the right person, at the right time, matter.

As more research like this emerges, it continues to validate what experienced practitioners see every day in practice. When acupuncture is used intentionally, it can support the nervous system, calm inflammation, and help the body move toward balance.

If you’re curious about how acupuncture could support your health, especially if inflammation or chronic stress is part of the picture, we’d love to help guide you.

Reach out to schedule an acupuncture consultation or ask our team how this approach might fit into your overall care plan.