Acupuncture has six main “canopy effects”.
Analgesic: The most commonly known effect of acupuncture is the relief/reduction of pain
Sedation: Acupuncture decreases the delta and theta wave activity in the brain resulting in deep relaxation and/or sleep. This affect allows an acupuncturist to effectively treat conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, addictions, epilepsies, mental disorders and stress.
Homeostatic: This refers to the internal state of the body returning to a natural balance. This involves the sympathetic, parasympathetic divisions of the nervous system and endocrine system.
Immune Enhancing: Acupuncture can strengthen the body against disease. In some cases a two to four fold increase in antibody titres have been observed.
Psychological: There is a calming and tranquilizing action in addition to the sedative affect. Measureable changes in brain chemistry have been observed.
Motor Recovery: Acupuncture can hasten the recovery of patients who have been paralyzed for some reason.
Acupuncture can be used in the treatment of numerous health conditions; it is mostly known for its treatment of pain.