September 22, 2005 – Scientists are beginning to have the means to better understand how acupuncture may affect pain. Three European researchers have just reviewed the main results of trials on the effects of acupuncture on brain activity1.
Using images of the brain, taken using medical imaging techniques, the researchers were able to observe that the stimulation of specific acupuncture points had a predictable action on certain regions of the brain. This was consistent with the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which govern acupuncture treatment protocols.
Thus, a needle inserted on the foot, at certain points associated with the eyes according to Chinese theory, would stimulate the visual cortex in the same way as when projecting a jet of light into the eye. Other acupuncture points related to the ear, according to TCM, have also activated a region of the brain that science associates with the sense of hearing.
The French and English researchers also observed the impact on brain activity of the stimulation of an acupuncture point linked to the relief of nausea (PC6). Brain imaging would indicate that needles inserted at this point have an effect on a part of the cerebellum that neurologists associate with nausea.
The authors of the study also note that the stimulation of points foreign to the network of acupuncture meridians has no specific effects on brain activity.
According to them, the interpretation of brain images is still in its infancy. Further research using brain imaging techniques could contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of acupuncture.
They conclude that, without making a definitive demonstration, these results indicate that acupuncture could have measurable physiological effects beyond the simple placebo effect.
Pierre Lefrançois – PasseportSanté.net
1. Lewith GT, White PJ, Pariente J. Investigating acupuncture using brain imaging techniques: the current state of play.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2005 Sep; 2 (3): 315-9. Epub 2005 Aug 10.
