Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine have been used for over 3,000 years to successfully treat a vast array of health issues.
Why? Because they work!
If you're a science-nerd like I am, learn more by clicking and reading about what the research has to say regarding some of the most common health conditions treated with acupuncture today and some frequently prescribed herbs.

ACUPUNCTURE

How Acupuncture Works Several neurobiological mechanisms may account for how acupuncture works, from changing neurotransmitter levels, including dopamine and serotonin, to working with the fascial tissue network of the body (Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, June 2014). - Data suggests acupuncture is capable of moderating brain functions through the regulation of central neurotransmitters (Acupuncture Therapy for Neurological Diseases, 2010). - Brain imaging study demonstrates acupuncture causes biochemical changes in the brain associated with changes in headache intensity of migraines (Journal of Pain Research, Apr 2018). - The therapeutic effects of acupuncture may stem from needle manipulation and mechanical signaling through the body’s connective tissue (The FASEB Journal, Oct. 2001). - Insights gained from acupuncture research have expanded the knowledge of how acupuncture works, including broadening the physiologic understanding of chronic pain and enhancing knowledge of connective tissues, and informed biomedical research (Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Jan. 2016). - Study suggests acupuncture decreases cortisol levels, which can directly impact stress levels (European Journal of Anaesthesiology, April 2007). - Paper discusses current knowledge of acupuncture’s effects on the central nervous system and provides insight on the treatment of hypertension with acupuncture (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Sept. 2011). Pilot study shows significant influence of acupuncture on cerebral blood flow in patients post-stroke (Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Jan. 2016).

Acute + Chronic Pain Research suggests acupuncture may improve nerve function at the wrist, leading to long-term relief for carpal tunnel syndrome (Brain: A Journal of Neurology, 2017). Mounting evidence supports that acupuncture is effective, safe, and cost-effective for treating several chronic pain conditions, including low back, neck, shoulder, knee pain, and headaches (National Center for Biotechnology Information, July 2017). Meta-analysis from nearly 18,000 patients suggests acupuncture is effective in treating chronic pain, including back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache, and shoulder pain (JAMA Internal Medicine, Oct. 2012). Research suggests acupuncture is highly beneficial for pain severity in patients with TMJ (Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Dec. 2010). Review suggests acupuncture diminishes pain and improves functional mobility and quality-of-life in patients with osteoarthritis (BMC Alternative & Complementary Medicine, Aug. 2014).

Pregnancy + Fertility Research demonstrates acupuncture increases the success rate for IVF by 50 percent (Fertility and Sterility, Apr. 2002). Review suggests acupuncture can support fertility, including women having difficulty conceiving, and help with a range of gynecological conditions (International Journal of Women’s Health, March 2014). Systematic review of six studies suggests there is high-level evidence to support the use of acupuncture for treating depression during pregnancy (Medical Acupuncture, June 2013).

Stress + Anxiety Review concludes that acupuncture may be a promising treatment for anxiety (Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem, June 2016). Review of evidence-based studies suggests acupuncture may provide very real, positive outcomes for treating anxiety disorders (CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, June 2011).

Depression Study suggests acupuncture may be effective in treating depression in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients (Journal of Psychiatric Research, Jan. 2017). Systematic review suggests acupuncture, combined with antidepressant medication, is effective and safe in treating depression. Moreover, this treatment combination appears to result in greater therapeutic effects than antidepressant medication alone (Journal of Affective Disorders, May 2015).

Fatigue Study suggests short-term acupuncture may help improve fatigue levels in patients with chronic fatigue (Trials, 2015). Trial finds acupuncture and moxibustion improved fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue (Scientific Reports, Nov 2016).

Sleep Research review shows acupuncture has a profound influence on regulating sleep and wakefulness through a wide variety of potential neural and/or hormonal mechanisms (Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Feb. 2011). Systemic review suggests acupuncture appears to be effective in the treatment of insomnia (Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Nov. 2009). Brain research reveals acupuncture may improve quality of life and sleep after treatment (Explore (NY), July-Aug. 2015).

Immunity Study finds acupuncture beneficially weakens the common cold and its symptoms (Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dec 2016). Study suggests cupping may positively affect the immune system (Journal of Religion and Health, Jan 2013).

Women's Health Review of 23 studies suggests acupuncture affects sex hormones in women, supporting sex drive and relieving gynecological issues such as menopause, ovarian dysfunction, and menstrual cramps (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Nov 2018). Study finds acupuncture reduces moderate-to-severe menopause symptoms (BMJ Open, 2019). Systematic review suggests acupuncture may reduce menstrual pain and associated symptoms more effectively when compared to no treatment or NSAIDs (Medicine Baltimore, June 2018). Review and preliminary data indicates acupuncture may improve menstrual health (International Journal of Women’s Health, Mar 2014). Review of ten studies and current literature suggests acupuncture reduces endometriosis-related pain (PLoS One, Oct 2017). Research finds repeated acupuncture treatments improve frequency of ovulation and hormone levels in women with PCOS (American Journal of Physiology, May 2013).

Digestion Trial suggests acupuncture may be a safe treatment option for chronic constipation (Annals of Internal Medicine, Dec. 2016). Meta-analysis finds acupuncture may improve diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome better than medications and with fewer side effects (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, May 2018). Meta-analysis of six studies suggests acupuncture shows clinical and statistically significant control of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms (World Journal of Gastroenterology, Feb 2014). Study finds acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment option for mild and moderate Crohn's disease, and can improve the common symptoms (Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Jul 2016).

Hypertension Meta-analysis concludes acupuncture lowers blood pressure in patients already taking medications for high blood pressure or hypertension (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, March 2014).

HERBS

Astragalus Root The effect of Astragaloside IV on immune function of regulatory T cell mediated by high mobility group box 1 protein in vitro (Fitoterapia, Jun 2012) Anti-Aging Implications of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi): A Well-Known Chinese Tonic (Aging and Disease, Dec 2017)

Atractylodes Root Effects of an Atractylodes lancea rhizome extract and a volatile component β-eudesmol on gastrointestinal motility in mice (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Jan 2003 & May 2012) Effect of the rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea and its constituents on the delay of gastric emptying (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Jan 2003)

Bupleurum Root Radix Bupleuri: A Review of Traditional Uses, Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology (BioMed Research International, 2017) Radix Bupleuri ameliorates depression by increasing nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 2015) Herbal Medicine for Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia (Current Neuropharmacology, 2015) Antidepressant-like effects of the Radix Bupleuri and Radix Paeoniae Alba drug pair (Neuroscience Letters, 2016)

Cardamom Seed Pharmacological Studies of Cardamom Oil in Animals (Pharmacological Research, Jul 1996) Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, Elettaria cardamom fruits in rats (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Jan 2006)

Chinese Yam Pharmacological Studies of Cardamom Oil in Animals (Pharmacological Research, Jul 1996) Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, Elettaria cardamom fruits in rats (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Jan 2006) Chinese Yam

Cistanches Root Antifatigue activity of phenylethanoid-rich extract from Cistanche deserticola (Phytotherapy Research, Feb 2010) Herba Cistanche (Rou Cong-Rong): One of the Best Pharmaceutical Gifts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Frontiers in Pharmacology, Mar 2016) Yang/Qi invigoration: an herbal therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome with yang deficiency? (Evidence-Based Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Feb 2015)

Chysanthemum Flower The anti-osteoporosis and antioxidant activities of chemical constituents from Chrysanthemum indicum flowers (Phytotherapy Research, Apr 2015) Anti-inflammatory components of Chrysanthemum indicum flowers (Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Jan 2015)

Codonopsis Root Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Codonopsis: A review (Journal of Ethnopharmacological Medicine, 2018) Codonopsis lanceolata Extract Prevents Diet-Induced Obesity in C57BL/6 Mice (Nutrients, Nov 2014) Antiobesity Effect of Codonopsis lanceolata in High-Calorie/High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Rats (Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, May 2013)

Dandelion Root In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extract from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root against alcohol-induced oxidative stress (Food and Chemical Toxicology, Jun 2010) Taraxacum official (dandelion) leaf extract alleviates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver (Food and Chemical Toxicology, Aug 2013) The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day (Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Aug 2009)

Coix Seed Potent in vitro anti-proliferative, apoptotic and anti-oxidative activities of semi-purified Job's tears (Coix lachryma-jobi Linn.) extracts from different preparation methods on 5 human cancer cell lines (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Jul 2016) Red Ginseng and Semen Coicis can improve the structure of gut microbiota and relieve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Mar 2015) Adlay (seeds of Coix) is a Potential Cancer Chemopreventive Agent toward Multistage Carcinogenesis Processes (Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, Oct 2012)

Eclipta Leaf Anti-inflammatory constituents from Eclipta prostrata using RAW264.7 macrophage cells (Phytotherapy Research, Sept 2011) Lipid lowering activity of Eclipta prostrata in experimental hyperlipidemia (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, May 2006)

Eleuthero Root Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity (Current Clinical Pharmacology, Sept 2009) Anti-fatigue activity of extracts of stem bark from Acanthopanax senticosus (Molecules, Dec 2010) Neuroprotective effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus bark on transient global cerebral ischemia in rats (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Jan. 2012)

Ginger Root Preventive and Protective Properties of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) in Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Complications, and Associated Lipid and Other Metabolic Disorders: A Brief Review (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Nov 2012) A review of the gastroprotective effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) (Food & Function, Jun 2013)

Forsythia Fruit Phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control and future research of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl: A review (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2018) Chemical Constituents from the Fruits of Forsythia suspensa and Their Antimicrobial Activity (Biomedical Research International, 2014)

Goji Berry Biological activities and potential health benefit effects of polysaccharides isolated from Lycium barbarum L. (International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Mar 2013) A review of the anticancer and immunomodulatory effects of Lycium barbarum fruit (Inflammopharmacology, Dec 2012) Antioxidant, Antimicrobial Effects and Phenolic Profile of Lycium barbarum L. Flowers (Molecules, Basel, Switzerland, Aug 2015)

Honeysuckle Flower Lonicera japonica Thunb.: ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of an important traditional Chinese medicine (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Oct 2011)

Hops A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder (Phytotherapy Research, 2007) Sleep disorders: a single dose administration of valerian/hops fluid extract (dormeasan) is found to be effective in improving sleep (Holistic Nursing Practice, 2009)

Isatis Root Antiviral activity of Isatis indigotica root-derived clemastanin B against human and avian influenza A and B viruses in vitro (International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2013)

Jade Screen (Astragalus, Atractylodes + Siler Root) Potential effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine Yu ping feng san for adult allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Nov 2017)

Kudzu Root Puerarin: a review of pharmacological effects (Phytotherapy Research, Jul 2014) Tectoridin, an isoflavone glycoside from the flower of Pueraria lobata, prevents acute ethanol-induced liver steatosis in mice (Toxicology, Sept 2010)

Licorice Root Study of the distribution patterns of the constituent herbs in classical Chinese medicine prescriptions treating respiratory disease by data mining methods (Chinese Journal of Integrated Medicine, Aug 2013) Anti-tussive principles of Glycyrrhizae radix, a main component of the Kampo preparations Bakumondo-to (Mai-men-dong-tang) (European Journal of Pharmacology, May 2003)

Magnolia Bark Biphenyl-type neolignans from Magnolia officinalis and their anti-inflammatory activities (Phytochemistry, Jan 2013)

Magnolia Flower Magnoliae flos inhibits mast cell-dependent immediate-type allergic reactions (Pharmacology Research, 1999) Chemistry and bioactivity of Flos Magnoliae, a Chinese herb for rhinitis and sinusitis (Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2008)

Milk Thistle Seed New therapeutic potentials of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) (Natural Product Communications, Dec 2013) Milk thistle and its derivative compounds: a review of opportunities for treatment of liver disease (Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Jan-Feb 2013)

Passionflower Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence (European Neuro-psychopharmacology: The Journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, Dec 2011) A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) herbal tea on subjective sleep quality (Phytotherapy, Aug 2011)

Pearl Powder Pearl extract enhances the migratory ability of fibroblasts in a wound healing model (Pharmaceutical Biology, Mar 2013) Efficacy of protein rich pearl powder on antioxidant status in a randomized placebo-controlled trial (Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, Jan 2018)

Peony Root Comparative studies of paeoniflorin and albiflorin from Paeonia lactiflora on anti-inflammatory activities (Pharmaceutical Biology, 2014) Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Paeonia Lactiflora Pall., a Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2011) Chemical constituents isolated from Paeonia lactiflora roots and their neuroprotective activity against oxidative stress in vitro (Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, Oct 2009) Effects of peony glycosides on mice exposed to chronic unpredictable stress: further evidence for antidepressant-like activity (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009)

Peppermint A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.) (Phytotherapy Research, Aug 2006)

Platycodon (Balloon Flower) Platycosides from the Roots of Platycodon grandiflorum and Their Health Benefits (Preventive Nutrition and Food Science, 2014) Anti-allergic activity of a platycodon root ethanol extract (Internal Journal of Molecular Science, 2010)

Poria Mushroom Biological activities and potential health benefits of polysaccharides from Poria cocos and their derivatives (International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Jul 2014) Diuretic activity of some fractions of the epidermis of Poria cocos (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Dec 2013)

Pseudostellaria Root Polysaccharide of radix pseudostellariae improves chronic fatigue syndrome induced by poly I:C in mice (Evidence Based, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal, Jun 2011) Protective effects of Radix Pseudostellariae polysaccharides against exercise- induced oxidative stress in male rats (Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine Journal, 2013)

Red Citrus Peel Anti-neuroinflammatory activity of nobiletin on suppression of microglial activation (Biological Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2010) Hesperidin, nobiletin, and tangeretin are collectively responsible for the anti-neuroinflammatory capacity of tangerine peel (Citri reticulatae pericarpium) (Food and Chemical Toxicology, Sept 2014)

Red Ginseng Root Red ginseng relieves the effects of alcohol consumption and hangover symptoms in healthy men: a randomized crossover study (Food and Function, Mar 2014) Red Ginseng and Semen Coicis can improve the structure of gut microbiota and relieve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Mar 2015) Red ginseng root extract mixed with Torilus fructus and Corni fructus improves facial wrinkles and increases type I procollagen synthesis in human skin: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Journal of Medicinal Food, Dec 2009)

Reishi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum: a potential for biotechnological production of anti-cancer and immunomodulatory drugs (Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Drug Discovery, 2013)

Rhodiola Root Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression (Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 2007) Rhodiola plants: Chemistry and biological activity, Journal of Food & Drug Analysis, Sept 2015 Rhodiola rosea: a possible plant adaptogen (Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic, June 2001)

Rose Hips Fruit The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity (Clinical Interventions in Aging, Nov 2015) In vivo anti-inflammatory effect of Rosa canina L. extract (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Sept 2011)

Schisandra Berry Identification of a novel anti-inflammatory compound, α-cubebenoate from Schisandra chinensis (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, April 2014) Adaptogens in mental and behavioral disorders (The Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Mar. 2013) Sedative and hypnotic activities of the ethanol fraction from Fructus Schisandrae in mice and rats (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007) Sedative and hypnotic effects of supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction from Schisandra chinensis in mice (Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 2016)

Shatavari Root Asparagus racemosus attenuates anxiety-like behavior in experimental animal models (Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, May 2014) Shatavarin IV elicits lifespan extension and alleviates Parkinsonism in Caenorhabditis elegans (Free Radical Research, Dec 2017) Identification of antioxidant compound from Asparagus racemosus (Phytotherapy Research, Sept 2004)

Sichuan Lovage Root A traditional Chinese formula composed of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Gastrodiae Rhizoma (Da Chuanxiong Formula) suppresses inflammatory response in LPS -induced RAW 264.7 cells through inhibition of NF-κB pathway (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2017)

Tangerine Peel Anti-neuroinflammatory activity of nobiletin on suppression of microglial activation (Biological Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 2010) Management of respiratory disorders in a Chinese medicine teaching clinic in Australia: review of clinical records (Chinese Medicine, Nov 2015)

Turmeric Root Curcumin targeted signaling pathways: basis for anti-photoaging and anti-carcinogenic therapy (International Journal of Dermatology, June 2010) Curcumin induces heme oxygenase-1 in normal human skin fibroblasts through redox signaling: relevance for anti-aging intervention (Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, Mar 2011)