Why Acupuncture Increases Blood Flow?

"After acupuncture treatment, my body feels warm..." — That's proof that your blood circulation is actually improving.

In this article, we break down the mechanisms of how acupuncture increases blood flow, backed by real research data.

🔬 3 Mechanisms of Acupuncture-Induced Blood Flow Increase

① Release of Vasodilators (NO · CGRP)

When an acupuncture needle stimulates the skin and muscle, the body releases nitric oxide (NO) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) — powerful vasodilators — at the local site.

Evidence:

• A human microdialysis study demonstrated that administering the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME significantly suppressed the increase in skin blood flow after acupuncture, proving that NO is directly involved in blood flow increase (Acupunct Med, 2013 / Kansai University of Medical Sciences)

• Additionally, neuropeptides such as CGRP and substance P are released via the axon reflex, synergistically dilating blood vessels (The Autonomic Nervous System, 56: 146-149, 2019)

→ In other words, acupuncture activates the body's built-in vasodilation system.

② Axon Reflex — Immediate Local Blood Flow Increase

Acupuncture stimulation triggers the "axon reflex," a neural mechanism that directly dilates surrounding blood vessels through branches of the stimulated sensory nerve.

Evidence:

• A randomized crossover trial (2025) with 16 healthy adults showed that multi-core thumbtack needles increased local blood flow by an average of 8.83 mL/min/100g (sham needle: -0.09). The increase occurred without affecting heart rate, confirming a purely local effect (J Japan Soc Acupunct Moxibust, 75(3): 379-388, 2025)

• This response is primarily attributed to the axon reflex, NO involvement, and somatic-autonomic reflexes

③ Thermal Effect & Sustained Blood Flow

Combining acupuncture with moxibustion ("warm needle") produces an even stronger blood flow improvement.

Evidence:

• A NIRS study of 24 knee osteoarthritis patients found that warm needle therapy significantly increased oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO₂) (P < 0.05) and oxygenation levels (P < 0.01)

• Blood flow peaked 10 minutes after treatment began, and warm needle maintained this peak until needle removal, while regular needle showed a gradual decline after 10 minutes

• Warm needle at SP10 (Xuehai) showed the greatest improvement in oxygen metabolism (PMC, 2025)

📊 Blood Flow Increase by the Numbers

Study	Subjects	Blood Flow Increase	Significance
PLOS One (2019)	21 healthy adults	Regular needle: 113–118% increase / Porous needle: 131–200% increase	P < 0.05–0.01
Frontiers in Medicine (2024)	18 patients with diabetic foot / PAD	Unilateral: 7/8 microcirculation parameters improved / Bilateral: all 8 improved	P < 0.05
Artificial Life & Robotics (2026)	15 women	Skin moisture: large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.91) / Capillary count: significant increase (P = 0.05)	P = 0.004
Multi-core thumbtack needle trial (2025)	16 healthy men	Local blood flow: +8.83 mL/min/100g (sham: -0.09)	P < 0.001

Key Takeaways:

① Even standard acupuncture reliably increases blood flow

→ The PLOS One study (2019) confirmed that even ordinary filiform needles produced a 113–118% increase in blood flow — a statistically significant change.

② Acupuncture works even in pathological conditions

→ Frontiers in Medicine (2024) showed that microcirculation at wound margins improved in patients with chronic non-healing ulcers. Unilateral needling improved 7/8 parameters; bilateral needling improved all 8 — demonstrating efficacy even in severe circulatory impairment.

③ Capillaries change in both "quantity" and "quality"

→ The 2026 study confirmed that after acupuncture, capillaries became thicker, more numerous, and more active — visible on imaging. This suggests vascular remodeling beyond simple blood flow increase.

About Kiyo Harikyudo

Kiyo Harikyudo specializes in mobile Japanese acupuncture throughout the Osaka area. We bring treatment to your hotel, Airbnb, or home.

What we offer:

• Acupuncture using the same techniques as the research above

• Ultra-fine, gentle needles

• Support in English and Chinese

• Late-night appointments available (until midnight in the Minami area of Osaka)

• Affordable prepaid ticket plans for consistent care

Ready to experience better blood flow?

📲 Book via LINE or Instagram DM (@kiyoharikyudo)

📚 References

1. Kimura K, et al. "Involvement of nitric oxide in acupuncture-induced increase of skin blood flow." Acupunct Med, 2013.

2. Shinbara H, et al. "Contributions of nitric oxide and prostaglandins to the local increase in muscle blood flow following manual acupuncture in rats." Acupunct Med, 2015.

3. Shibata Y, et al. "Acupuncture increases microcirculation in peripheral artery disease and diabetic foot syndrome – a pilot study." Frontiers in Medicine, 2024.

4. Li H, et al. "Acute effects of contact needle technique on facial skin hydration and superficial capillary morphology." Artificial Life and Robotics, 2026.

5. "Regional blood flow response with Multi-core thumbtack needle: A Randomized Crossover Trial." J Japan Soc Acupunct Moxibust, 75(3): 379-388, 2025.

6. "Effect of Acupuncture Manipulations at LI4 or LI11 on Blood Flow and Skin Temperature." Innovations in Acupuncture and Medicine, 2016.

7. "Changes of Local Blood Flow in Response to Acupuncture Stimulation: A Systematic Review." PMC, 2016.

8. "Involvement of nitric oxide in acupuncture-induced increase of skin blood flow — a microdialysis study." Kansai University of Medical Sciences, 2013.

9. "Mechanisms of peripheral circulation improvement by acupuncture treatment." The Autonomic Nervous System, 56: 146-149, 2019.