User:Herbxue/Acupuncture mechanisms

1. Gate-Control Theory http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S108231749680050X

2. Endogenous Endorphin

3. Mechanotransduction http://www.drwdowin.com/AcupunctureStimulatesRemodelingViaFibroblasts.pdf http://www.fasebj.org/content/16/8/872.full http://www.icpit.info/articles/Langevin,%20Yandow%20acupunture%20points%20and%20connective%20tissue.pdf

4. Electro-magnetic http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/5/10 (This study also could be under a connective tissue heading, perhaps replace mechanotransducion) http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bem.20403/abstract

5. Liquid Crystalline propagation

Proposed Mechanism Section by other authors:

Possible mechanisms of action

The mechanism of acupuncture's effect is unknown. A number of hypotheses have been suggested to explain it:

Placebo

There is some evidence that acupuncture's effect includes a placebo component[72] but this effect incompletely explains acupuncture's effects on pain and eg nausea/vomiting.[73]Biochemical mechanismsThere is evidence that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins,[74] explaining the analgetic effect of acupuncture at least partially.[2]Researchers also observed acupuncture-triggered release of monoamines,[75] and of neurotransmitters involved in diffuse noxious inhibitory control.[76]In several reviews, attention has been invited to the results of a single study which suggested that adenosine release into the tissues and adenosine A1 receptors play a role in acupuncture analgesia.[77][78][79]

Gate Control Theory

Main article: Pain#Gate ControlThis is based on Ronald Melzack and Patrick David Wall's work, that acupuncture stimulates competing nerves which reduce or "gate" pain sensation in the spinal cord.[80] It is not uniformly accepted and does not explain non-pain effects.

Interstitial Transmission Theories

These theories propose that the acupuncture signal is transmitted along non-neural, non-vascular meridian-like networks. These include Becker's bioelectric theory,[81]the Primo Vessel theory[82] and Langevin's Fascial theory.[83]Autonomic ModulationOriginally described by Looney,[84] this theory proposes that acupuncture results in release of various brain chemicals that modulate the autonomic nervous system, to influence a wide variety of organs and systems.[85]

Viscero-Somatic and Somato-Visceral Reflexes Theory

This theory is based upon Felix Mann's work which proposes that acupuncture activates spinal reflexes, thus explaining its visceral effects.[86] As noted below, Mann has recently distanced himself from supporting acupuncture points and meridians.

Neural DeactivationThere has been recent work suggesting that acupuncture is not directly stimulatory, but, instead, blocks either peripheral nerves directly[87][88] or blocks the release of brain stress chemicals.[89]