The Role of Acupuncture in Pain Modulation
By Naomi Jansson, Integrative Clinical Nurse Consultant and Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Pain affects millions of people worldwide, from short-term injuries to long-standing conditions that disrupt sleep, mood, and daily life. While medications are often the first line of treatment, many people are now turning to acupuncture as a safe, evidence-based way to help the body regulate pain.
Naomi Jansson brings over 25 years of nursing and clinical experience, along with a Master’s in Chinese Medicine from RMIT University, to her integrative approach to pain care. She has supported patients with a wide range of conditions — from post-surgical pain and migraines to arthritis, fibromyalgia, and cancer-related pain — demonstrating how acupuncture can complement mainstream treatments.
How Acupuncture Works
Modern research identifies neurobiomodulation as the main way acupuncture helps with pain. In simple terms, acupuncture helps the nervous system “re-set” its pain signals.
Scientific studies show that acupuncture can:
- Release natural painkillers like endorphins and opioids
- Influence brain chemicals such as serotonin and norepinephrine
- Reduce inflammation by regulating immune pathways
- Change activity in the brain’s pain centres, as seen in MRI studies【Zhao, 2008; Huang et al., 2012】
This explains why acupuncture benefits both acute pain (injuries, headaches, post-surgery) and chronic pain (arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, pelvic pain).
What the Evidence Says
High-quality research supports acupuncture as a non-pharmacological, effective approach to pain:
- A large analysis in JAMA Internal Medicine showed acupuncture provides meaningful relief for back pain, arthritis, and headaches【Vickers et al., 2012】.
- The Cochrane Collaboration confirmed acupuncture reduces chronic low back pain【Cochrane Collaboration, 2019】.
- A 2024 review found benefits across musculoskeletal and cancer-related pain【Xu et al., 2024】.
Acupuncture is now recognised by the World Health Organization and increasingly integrated into mainstream healthcare.
The PANDA Project: New Australian Research
Closer to home, RMIT University and Northern Health are leading the PANDA Project (Personalised Add-on Acupuncture in the Emergency Department for Acute Pain).
Earlier studies in Melbourne emergency departments found that patients receiving acupuncture alongside standard care reported:
- Lower pain and nausea
- High satisfaction with treatment
- No significant side effects【Zhang et al., 2014】
The PANDA Project is now testing how acupuncture can be safely integrated into emergency care, one of the busiest pain-management settings【RMIT University, 2024】.
Why Work with a Qualified Acupuncturist
Pain management is never “one size fits all.” A qualified acupuncturist with medical training can tailor treatment to your individual needs and collaborate with doctors, physiotherapists, and psychologists to ensure safe, holistic care.
While acupuncture is not a quick fix, it can improve mobility, reduce reliance on medication, support sleep, and enhance overall wellbeing.
Takeaway
Acupuncture is more than an ancient practice — it is a scientifically supported therapy that helps the body modulate pain. From emergency departments to private clinics, it is proving to be a safe and effective way to restore balance and improve quality of life.
References
Zhang, T. et al. (2014). Emergency Medicine Australasia, 26(3), 253–258.
RMIT University. (2024). The PANDA Project.
Vickers, A.J. et al. (2012). JAMA Internal Medicine, 172(19), 1444–1453.
Cochrane Collaboration. (2019). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Zhao, Z.Q. (2008). Progress in Neurobiology, 85(4), 355–375.
Huang, W. et al. (2012). PLoS ONE, 7(4), e32960.
Xu, S. et al. (2024). Supportive Care in Cancer, 32(6), 2763–2778.