Positive Health Online

Abstract

CABYOGLU and colleagues, Department of Physiology, Selcuk University, Faculty of Meram Medica, Konya, Turkey, tugcab@yahoo.com, have reviewed (45 references) the mechanisms of acupuncture.

Abstract: This study presents the result of the studies explaining the effects of acupuncture on various systems and symptoms. It has been determined that endomorphin-1, beta-endorphin, enkephalin, and serotonin levels increase in plasma and brain tissue through acupuncture needling. It has been observed that the increases of endomorphin-1, beta endorphin, enkephalin, serotonin, and dopamine cause analgesia, sedation, and recovery in motor functions. They also have immunomodulator effects on the immune system and lipolithic effects on metabolism. Because of these effects, acupuncture is used in the treatment of pain syndromes 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 the rehabilitation from hemiplegia and obesity.

Background

Methodology

Results

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.