Scientific Acupuncture

Scientific Acupuncture:

An Update of Basic Acupuncture Research

By Changzhen Gong, Ph.D. and Wei Liu, MPH

 

Abstract: This paper reviews the most recent development of basic scientific acupuncture research in the following nine categories: neurotransmitters, neural pathways, hormones, circulatory response, immune response, gene expression, stem cells, metabolism, and gastric motility. It reveals that classical acupuncture not only survives the challenge of modern science, but is thriving in the new millennium, as science allows us to examine acupuncture anew, and brings fresh interpretations to this age-old form of medicine.

Acupuncture has been practiced according to a traditional, classical model for over three millennia. Interestingly, this ancient, traditional form of medicine has been highly adaptable to the modern, scientific era. The classical model of acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese philosophy, rather than science. It posits an intricate network of energy pathways (meridians), with acupuncture points as landmarks along the meridians. The functions, indications, selection and stimulation of acupuncture points, as well as their applicability to specific disorders and conditions, has been elaborated over the centuries into a complete, self-contained medical system. In the classical model, the therapeutic effects of acupuncture are described as balancing yin and yang, opening the blockage of meridians, tonifying deficiencies and removing excesses. The theoretical background of classical Chinese medicine is found in Chinese cosmology; meridians and acupuncture points are the anatomical structure of the human body, Chinese medicine theory explains the physiology of the human body; needle stimulation and herbal formulas are the practical clinical application of the theoretical system. In this way, acupuncture worked as a medical system from its birth until the middle of the last century. At that point, it encountered the demands of scientific verification.

In the 20^th century, advances in science and technology, as well as the emergence of modern medicine, produced a new way of assessing the classical Chinese models. A modern acupuncture model based on the nerve-endocrine-immune system began to take shape. In this modern model, acupuncture interacts in measurable ways with the nervous system, endocrine system, immune system, circulatory system, and digestive system of animals and humans. The classic models of yin and yang, qi and blood, and energy circulation in meridians were replaced by neurotransmitters, hormones, stem cells, and neural pathways. Rigorous scientific studies and abundant evidence now indicate that:

• Acupuncture releases neurotransmitters.
• Acupuncture activates neural pathways.
• Acupuncture releases hormones.
• Acupuncture triggers circulatory response.
• Acupuncture triggers immune response.
• Acupuncture alters gene expression.
• Acupuncture mobilizes stem cells.
• Acupuncture boosts metabolism.
• Acupuncture regulates gastric motility.

This paper attempts to compile a selection of cutting-edge research studies done in each of the listed areas. Modern science provides a completely different vocabulary for the discussion of acupuncture theory and practice, and offers intriguing opportunities for this ancient modality to update itself in an ever-changing arena of medical practice. An overview of recent research advances in the application of scientific methodology to acupuncture is systemically presented in this paper. It is heartening to note that classical acupuncture not only survives the challenge of modern science, but is thriving in the new millennium, as science allows us to examine acupuncture anew, and brings fresh interpretations to this age-old form of medicine.

This 23-page paper appears in the International Journal of Clinic Acupuncture, No. 3, 2013.