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Acupuncture: An Overview on Its Functions, Meridian Pathways and Molecular Mechanisms.

The American journal of Chinese medicine
January 1, 2024
Rong Han et al. (2 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effectiveness, including its impact on neurons, immune modulation, vascular activity, and molecular processes.

Results Summary

The study found that acupuncture activates neurons, modulates the immune system, influences vascular activity, and induces molecular changes, leading to anti-inflammatory effects and immune regulation. Imaging modalities revealed changes in cerebral blood flow, brain function, and glucose metabolism post-acupuncture.

Population

Not specified (general mechanisms discussed, no specific population mentioned).

Effective Dosage

Not provided.

Duration

Not specified.

Interactions

None mentioned.

Extracted Claims (20)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
acupuncture
increase
neurons
-
-
activates
#1
acupuncture
increase
the immune system
-
-
modulating
#2
acupuncture
increase
vascular activity
-
-
influencing
#3
acupuncture
increase
cerebral blood flow
-
-
enables the identification of changes in
#4
acupuncture
increase
brain function
-
-
enables the identification of changes in
#5
acupuncture
increase
regional glucose metabolism
-
-
enables the identification of changes in
#6
acupuncture
increase
neurotransmitters
-
-
initiates the release of
#7
acupuncture
increase
neuropeptides
-
-
initiates the release of
#8
acupuncture
increase
immune factors
-
-
initiates the release of
#9
acupuncture
decrease
pain perception
-
-
impacting
#10
acupuncture
decrease
inflammation
-
-
impacting
#11
acupuncture
increase
physiological functions
-
-
impacting
#12
acupuncture
increase
the complex neuro-endocrine-immune network
-
-
influences
#13
acupuncture
increase
the nervous system
-
-
activating pathways involving
#14
acupuncture
increase
the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
-
-
activating pathways involving
#15
acupuncture
increase
immune responses
-
-
activating pathways involving
#16
acupuncture
increase
molecular modifications such as phosphorylation, methylation, and histone modification
-
-
induces
#17
acupuncture
increase
key molecular changes
-
-
leading to
#18
acupuncture
increase
anti-inflammatory effects
-
-
resulting in
#19
acupuncture
increase
the regulation of immune responses
-
-
resulting in
#20
Abstract

Recent research has extensively explored the intricate mechanisms that underlie the effectiveness of acupuncture, highlighting the importance of stimulating acupoints, the role of acupuncture techniques in managing diseases, and the interaction between meridian pathways and molecular processes. Studies have underscored the crucial role of acupuncture in activating neurons, modulating the immune system, and influencing vascular activity, all of which contribute significantly to its therapeutic benefits across a wide range of symptoms and conditions. Utilization of imaging modalities enables the identification of changes in cerebral blood flow, brain function, and regional glucose metabolism following acupuncture sessions. The interstitial fluid circulation network within meridians adheres to specific laws that facilitate the transportation of materials. Acupuncture initiates the release of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and immune factors, impacting pain perception, inflammation, and physiological functions. It influences the complex neuro-endocrine-immune network by activating pathways involving the nervous system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and immune responses. Moreover, acupuncture induces molecular modifications such as phosphorylation, methylation, and histone modification, leading to key molecular changes that ultimately result in anti-inflammatory effects and the regulation of immune responses.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansMeridiansAcupuncture TherapyAcupuncture PointsNeurotransmitter AgentsHypothalamo-Hypophyseal SystemNeuropeptidesBrainPituitary-Adrenal SystemCerebrovascular Circulation
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality78/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations4
Citations/Year4.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score2.78
Normalized Score0.70
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