Abstract
Scientific bases for the mechanism of action of acupuncture in the treatment of pain and the pathogenic mechanism of acupuncture points are briefly summarized. The efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy is discussed based on the results of German clinical trials. A conclusion on the role for acupuncture in the treatment of psychogenic disorders could not be reached.
Highlights
Acupuncture therapy has been known as a practice associated with Oriental Medicine, and it has recently been identified in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine as a potential therapeutic procedure for which there is good scientific evidence [1]
This review briefly summarizes what is known concerning the mechanism of action underlying the effects of acupuncture, the current understanding of the so-called acupuncture points, and recent evidence for the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain
Regarding acupuncture therapy for psychogenic disorders, systematic reviews of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been published, and we introduce brief summaries of their results
Summary
Acupuncture therapy has been known as a practice associated with Oriental Medicine, and it has recently been identified in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine as a potential therapeutic procedure for which there is good scientific evidence [1]. The absence of a clear distinction between body and soul, known as “mind-soul unity (心身一如)” in Kampo Medicine, is an important characteristic of Oriental Medicine Based on this unique concept, psychogenic disorders are understood as conditions caused by the abnormal flow of chi; this understanding is sufficient even when Western medicine is unable, through examination of the body or brain using modern technology, to link the condition to a precise cause. Action mechanisms of acupuncture therapy Scientific research into the mechanism of action of acupuncture began around 1950 when an important pharmacological study was published by a group at Peking University Afferent DNIC input are derived from nociceptors responsive to mechanical, thermal, and chemical stimuli These receptors are distributed in skin, muscle, and viscera throughout the entire body. This de-qi sensation is considered essential for effective acupuncture; A
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