Mechanism of Action

• Several theories exist attempting to describe the physiologic effects of acupuncture.

• Transmission of acupuncture electrical activity is dependent upon moisture and electrolytes.

• Various basic science models have been elucidated to describe acupuncture effects on the body (see below).

• Acupuncture impacts the endocrine, neuromusculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and immune systems.

Propagated Sensation Along Acupuncture Channels (PSAC)

PSAC describes a specific sensation observed by many patients of numbness, heaviness or warmth that radiates along the meridian during treatment. Its occurrence is a requirement for successful clinical outcomes, especially anesthesia. The PSAC has been measured to travel at a rate of one to ten centimeters per second, which is slower than nerve conduction.

Electrical Propagation

Electrical resistance has been shown to be lower at acupuncture points than surrounding tissue. Current can be measured between two needles along the same acupuncture channel when connected to a nine-volt battery, but not between non-acupuncture points. Electrical potential and current follow the classically described acupuncture points based upon research performed in France.

Neurochemical Factors

More than 15 neurotransmitters and 20 opioid peptides can be released during acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture analgesia is a well described phenomenon of pain control through complex peripheral and central neuromodulatory mechanisms. Low frequency (2-4 Hz) and high frequency (100-150 Hz) electrical stimulation of acupuncture needles will preferentially cause release of various neurochemicals in the brain such as endorphins and opioids.

Electromagnetic and Electro-ionic bio-information

Since nerve conduction alone does not explain all biologically-related phenomena induced by acupuncture, new explanatory theories are emerging. One set of explanations include the cell to cell depolarization of electro-ionic shifts in sodium, potassium and calcium causing the stimulus to pass along tissue planes such as fascia. Additionally, small shifts in electro-magnetic potentials occur during acupuncture treatment that can accumulate to cause larger organ system responses once thought unlikely.