Acupuncture’s capacity to promote neuroplasticity—enhancing neural repair and growth—has made it a focal point in neurological research, contributing to its rising scientific interest. It increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, as shown in rodent studies, fostering neuron growth and connectivity. Human trials on stroke patients reveal improved motor recovery with acupuncture, likely due to enhanced neuroplasticity. This effect benefits conditions like stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, offering a non-invasive way to support brain repair. Patients often report gradual improvements in motor skills and cognitive function, reflecting the long-term potential of this biological mechanism.
This physiological benefit has significantly contributed to acupuncture’s growing research trend. Neurological disorders pose major global health challenges, and therapies that enhance brain recovery are in high demand. Studies have investigated acupuncture’s role in stroke rehabilitation, with trials showing improved functional outcomes in patients when acupuncture is combined with physical therapy. The NIH has funded research to map these effects across larger populations, aiming to integrate acupuncture into neurology protocols and rehabilitation programs. The measurable impact on neuroplasticity has elevated acupuncture’s status in neuroscience, driving its adoption in hospitals and rehab centers worldwide. As research continues to explore the brain’s capacity for repair, acupuncture’s role in promoting neuroplasticity is gaining recognition as a valuable complementary therapy.
References
- Chavez, L. M., et al. (2017). Mechanisms of acupuncture in neuroplasticity: A systematic review. Journal of Neuroscience Research, 95(11), 2195-2205. DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24095
- Hu, Y., et al. (2013). Acupuncture enhances the synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of rats following cerebral ischemia. Neuroscience Letters, 550, 103-108. DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.06.035
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (2021). Acupuncture and neurological recovery: Research insights. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture
Thanks for reading,
At Acupuncture Hobart, I practice an integrative approach to Acupuncture, mixing different systems (Balance Method, Tung, Motor Point Acupuncture, Dry Needling) depending on what the people need, however primarily centred in the Neoclassical Acupuncture paradigm.
Acupuncture in Hobart and Kingston