Acupuncture and Nitric Oxide

August 8, 2017   |   Evidence in Integrative Healthcare

In a recent article in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the effects of reinforcement methods such as stimulation (slowly twisting/rotating the needle) and application of local heat demonstrated increased levels of nitric oxide released from the skin. As reported here, the results of this study suggest these methods of reinforcement induce nitric oxide release from the skin which improves local circulation and contributes to the beneficial effects of the therapies, e.g. allows for flush of analgesic or sensitizing substances leading to pain relief.