By : Carolina Medina , DVM , DACVSMR , CVA — Coral Springs Animal Hospital Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist
Acupuncture is defined as the stimulation of a specific point ( acupuncture point ) on the body with a specific method resulting in a physiologic effect . These physiologic effects include both systemic and local effects as acupuncture stimulates both the central and peripheral nervous systems . Some of the systemic effects include release of endogenous substances such as beta-endorphins , dynorphins , enkephalins , serotonin , epinephrine , GABA , cortisol and various hormones . Acupuncture can also improve blood flow to the pituitary axis and capillary wall enzyme concentration ; release somatotropin in chronic pain ; induce luteinizing hormone release which triggers ovulation ; stimulate prolactin release to promote lactation ; stimulate oxytocin release to induce uterine contraction ; and modulate thyroid function . The local effects of acupuncture include muscle relaxation and spasm relief ; release of Hageman ’ s Factor XII which activates the clotting cascade , complement cascade , plasminogen and kinins ; degranulation of mast cells which releases histamine , heparin and kinin protease ; release of bradykinin which leads to vasodilation ; and production of local prostaglandins which leads to smooth muscle relaxation .