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Writer's pictureAku Energija

Understanding How Acupuncture Works In Science

The article provides a scientific perspective on acupuncture mechanisms. Traditional Chinese Medicine attributes acupuncture's effects to the balance of energy flow (Qi) along meridians in the body. Many scientists are trying to understand this ancient concept with a modern scientific approach.  [Read more: What is the difference between dry needling and Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture?]

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body and applying mechanical or electrical stimulation. While the practice has roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), modern research is exploring its mechanisms through a concept called the Neural Acupuncture Unit (NAU).

  • NAUs are not the acupoints themselves, but rather a collection of activated neural and neuroactive components, including nerves, muscles, and connective tissues, surrounding the inserted needle.

  • Acupoints, traditionally defined in TCM, serve as anatomical and energetic landmarks indicating areas where NAUs may contain a higher density of these components.

Local Reactions Trigger Widespread Effects

Acupuncture stimulation triggers both biochemical and biophysical reactions in NAUs, generating signals that travel to the central nervous system.

  • Biochemical Reactions:

    • Needle insertion causes minimal tissue injury, leading to the release of inflammatory and immune mediators. [Read more: How to Reduce and Prevent Inflammation] [Read more: Strengthen your Wei Qi for better immunity] 

    • This activates a robust axon reflex, causing vasodilation and the release of neuroactive mediators.

    • These mediators interact with receptors on nerve terminals, modulating pain signals.

    • Acupuncture predominantly enhances inhibitory mediators, contributing to pain relief.

    • The electrical properties of acupoints, often measured in research, are influenced by these mediators.

  • Biophysical Reactions:

    • Mechanical manipulation of the needle, such as twisting or rotating, creates pressure and tissue distortion.

    • This activates mechanoreceptors in NAUs, with effects extending beyond the needling point (distant effect).

    • Different manual techniques have varying distant effects on different types of mechanoreceptors.

Traveling Along Neural Pathways

The signals generated in NAUs are transmitted to the brain through multiple pathways, including:

  • Spinothalamic and Spinoreticular Tracts: These pathways primarily carry signals related to tissue injury and pain.

  • Dorsal Column-Medial Lemniscus Tract: This pathway is thought to mainly transmit signals from mechanoreceptors.

  • Trigeminal Sensory Pathway: This pathway carries signals from the face and forehead and has close connections to brainstem areas involved in regulating sensation, emotion, and visceral functions. [Read more: Yin Yang philosophy and mental health]

Brain Responses and Therapeutic Effects

Acupuncture stimulation has been shown to:

  • Elicit Widespread Brain Activity: Neuroimaging studies show that acupuncture modulates activity in various cortical, limbic, subcortical, and brainstem areas.

  • Produce Frequency-Specific Effects: Different frequencies of electrical stimulation activate different types of nerve fibers and lead to distinct neurochemical responses, explaining variations in analgesic effects.

  • Normalize Brain Activity in Pathological Conditions: Acupuncture can reverse abnormal brain activity seen in chronic pain, stroke, Parkinson's disease, depression, and addiction, often correlating with clinical improvement.

  • Regulate Autonomic Nervous System Activity: Acupuncture can influence the balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, impacting visceral functions and contributing to the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, and asthma.

Restoring Balance for Well-being

Acupuncture's effects likely stem from a complex interplay of local and central mechanisms. The NAU concept offers a framework for understanding how stimulating specific points on the body can trigger widespread responses, potentially restoring balance and promoting well-being.


Reference: Zhang ZJ, Wang XM, McAlonan GM. Neural acupuncture unit: a new concept for interpreting effects and mechanisms of acupuncture. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:429412. doi: 10.1155/2012/429412. Epub 2012 Mar 8. PMID: 22474503; PMCID: PMC3310280.


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