We often think of muscle as just a tool for strength, metabolism, or appearance , but research is showing it plays a major role in protecting our brains. Studies now link sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, to cognitive decline and dementia.

Why? When you move, your muscles release powerful molecules that support brain health, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation ( guess what else does that? ACUPUNCTURE). Lose muscle, and you lose that protection. It’s no coincidence that weaker grip strength and slower walking speed are early warning signs of cognitive issues.

When I explain acupuncture to my patients, I often describe it as a reset button for your nervous system. Those tiny, hair-thin needles create a fascinating response in your body. From a Western medical perspective, acupuncture helps calm your brain's reaction to stress signals, balances hormone production, reduces inflammation, and releases tension from muscles that have forgotten how to relax.

The research backs this up. A substantial review analyzing 46 clinical trials with more than 3,800 participants found something that shouldn't surprise traditional practitioners but often amazes newcomers: acupuncture consistently outperformed conventional treatments for both sleep quality and duration.

One of the main ways acupuncture helps is by stimulating your nervous system. When the needles are inserted into specific points, they activate sensory nerves that send signals to your brain and spinal cord. This kicks off your body’s natural pain-relieving processes, like the release of endorphins (your body’s built-in painkillers) and other neurotransmitters. These signals also help balance neurochemicals that control things like inflammation, mood, and how we perceive pain. That’s why acupuncture is often used for treating things like chronic pain, migraines, and stress.

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, but there are still a lot of myths and misconceptions about how it works. If you’ve ever been curious about acupuncture but are unsure what to believe, you’re not alone. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths and get to the real facts.