Acupuncture is an important component
of traditional Chinese medicine and has
been used as an effective form of pain treatment.8–10
According to Western medicine,
acupuncture relieves pain through the gate
control mechanism involving the release of
neurotransmitters and endogenous
opioids.11 When stimulated, muscle afferent
fibres convey impulses to the spinal
cord, releasing endorphins and monoamines
and stimulating pain inhibition.
Recent studies have reported the release of
cortisol as an anti-inflammatory action that
also contributes to reducing pain.12–15