Positive Health Online

Abstract

CABYOGLU and co-workers, Department of Physiology, Selcuk University, Faculty of Meram Medica, Konya, Turkey, have reviewed (45 references) the mechanism and clinical applications of acupuncture.

Background

Methodology

Results

Abstract: This paper presents the result of studies on the effects of acupuncture on various organ systems and symptoms. It has been determined that endomorphin-1, beta-endorphin, enkephalin, and serotonin levels increase in blood plasma and brain tissue through acupuncture application. The increases of endomorphin-1, beta-endorphin, enkephalin, serotonin, and dopamine cause analgesia, sedation, and recovery in motor functions. They also have modulating effects on the immune system and lipolytic effects on metabolism. Because of these effects, acupuncture is used in the treatment of pain syndrome illnesses such as migraine, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and trigeminal neuralgia, of gastrointestinal disorders such as disturbance at gastrointestinal motility and gastritis, of psychological illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorder, and in rehabilitation from hemiplegia and obesity.

Conclusion

References

Cabyoglu MT, Ergene N, Tan U. The mechanism of acupuncture and clinical applications. International Journal of Neuroscience 116 (2): 115-125, Feb 2006.