Acupuncture Mechanism Studied By Thermography
Acupuncture and Thermography: Evidence from Infrared Imaging and Neurohormonal Studies
Study with Thermography by Dr. Yin Lo
Recent studies, including those conducted by Dr. Yin Lo, Ph.D., have utilized thermography with infrared images to demonstrate acupuncture’s effectiveness. In Dr. Lo’s study, infrared images were taken before and after acupuncture treatment. The red regions in the images represent areas of pain or inflammation. In the post-treatment image, the red areas were significantly reduced, indicating that acupuncture helped decrease pain and inflammation.
Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to increase nitric oxide levels in the treated areas, which boosts local blood circulation. These findings support the notion that acupuncture has beneficial effects on local inflammation and ischemia (lack of blood flow).
Impact on Brain Activity and Pain Relief
Acupuncture’s effect on cortical activity has been observed through advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). These studies suggest that acupuncture stimulates specific areas of the brain, leading to pain relief and other therapeutic benefits.
Theoretical Background for Acupuncture Needle Retention Time
- 15-20 minutes (The Nan Jing – The Classic of Difficulties, Chapter 23)
According to The Nan Jing, the rate of Qi and Blood movement through the body’s meridians is tied to breathing. The classic text suggests that one full cycle of Qi through the body requires about 270 breaths. Depending on an individual’s breathing rate, the time for Qi to complete its cycle can vary. At a rate of 14 breaths per minute, it takes approximately 20 minutes, while at 18 breaths per minute, it takes about 15 minutes. Therefore, acupuncture needle retention time is commonly set at 15-20 minutes. - 30 minutes (The Ling Shu – Spiritual Pivot, Chapters 15 & 18)
The Ling Shu text states that Qi and Blood circulate through the channels approximately 50 times per day. This leads to the guideline of a 30-minute needle retention time based on calculations derived from the text, suggesting this duration is optimal for achieving the therapeutic effects of acupuncture.
Neurohormonal Theory of Pain Relief
The Neurohormonal Theory explains how acupuncture modulates pain at various levels of the brain. Research suggests that acupuncture triggers the release of endogenous opioids (such as endorphins), which are natural pain relievers produced by the body. These substances bind to opioid receptors in the brain, inhibiting pain signals and producing a pain-blocking effect.
Acupuncture’s analgesic (pain-relieving) effect has been shown to last for over an hour, as demonstrated by studies that recorded neural activity directly in the thalamus, a key brain area involved in pain processing. Additionally, the overlap between acupuncture trigger points (areas of tenderness) and myofascial pain syndrome has been observed, further supporting acupuncture’s role in pain management.
Effects of Placebo Response and Acupuncture
Interestingly, acupuncture’s analgesic effects are similar to those observed in the placebo response. In studies where naloxone (a drug that blocks the action of opioids) was administered, both morphine and acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects were reversed, highlighting the role of endogenous opioids in pain relief. Neuroimaging studies, such as those using fMRI, have shown that placebo analgesia is linked to decreased activity in pain-related brain areas like the thalamus, insula, and anterior cingulate cortex.
Conclusion
The combination of thermography studies, neurohormonal theory, and advanced neuroimaging research provides strong evidence for acupuncture’s ability to reduce pain and inflammation, stimulate brain activity, and promote healing through natural processes. These findings solidify acupuncture’s role as an effective, evidence-based treatment for various conditions.