It provides pain relief - by stimulating nerves located in muscles and other tissues, acupuncture leads to release of endorphins and other neurohumoral factors and changes the processing of pain in the brain and spinal cord (Zhao 2008, Zijlstra 2003, Pomeranz, 1987).
It also helps in reducing inflammation - by promoting release of vascular and immuno-modulatory factors (Kim 2008, Kavoussi 2007, Zijlstra 2003)