The research of acupuncture on the treatment of alcohol dependence: hope and challenge
Journal Title: Traditional Medicine Research - Year 2019, Vol 4, Issue 6
Abstract
Acupuncture, a well-known form of alternative therapy, has been used for treating various disorders including pain, certain drug addiction, and withdrawal syndromes [1-5]. Although there is not any histological or physiological evidence of traditional Chinese medical concepts such as Qi, meridians and acupoints, there is clear scientific evidence that acupuncture relates to endogenous opioid peptides release, and acupuncture can increase the activity of dopaminergic neuron in mesolimbic brain region through the endogenous opioid peptides [6-8]. Till today, there is no convincing evidence to illustrate the nature of acupoints and also no clear mechanism explaining how the signals transport to the central nervous system from the special acupoints. However, recent research have found that the afferent impulses induced by acupuncture can be transmitted by Aβ and AΔ fibers [9, 10], which sent the itch and tactile sensation to the brain; then the signals activate spinal cord, midbrain and pituitary-hypothalamus, which lead to the release of three endorphins and other monoamines [11-13]. These results suggest that acupuncture can indeed activate neurons in the brain to perform physiological functions.
Authors and Affiliations
Xue Yang
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP481888
- DOI 10.12032/TMR20191009138
- Views 247
- Downloads 0
Qingfei oral liquid downregulates TRPV1 expression to reduce airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion injury caused by respiratory syncytial virus infection and asthma in mice
Objective: Qingfei oral liquid (QF), an experimental Chinese medicine prescription developed from the ancient priscription of traditional Chinese medicines Ma Xin Shi Gan decoction and Tingli Dazao Xie Fei decoction, has...
News and Comments: Have Phase Ⅲ clinical trials of Compound Danshen Dripping Pill “tragically failed”?
Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) is the traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used in China for the treatment of diseases such as coronary heart disease, stenocardia, and myocardial ischemia. The applica...
What are the challenges facing cancer therapy base on the dissipative structure theory
Cancer therapy is facing challenges. Since current theory could not have a breakthrough, we ought to find a new way to conquer cancer by exploring the emerging theory in cancer therapy. The complexity science, emerging i...
Effect of Jianpi-yangwei decoction on gut fungi in the patients with gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy
Background: Our previous study shows that the empirical formula of Chinese medicine Jianpi-yangwei decoction (JYD) can improve the quality of life in patients with gastric cancer undergoing chemotherapy by increasing ben...
Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi decoction ameliorates high-fat high-carbohydrate diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance by regulating the AMPK/JNK pathway
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can cause insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi decoction (JGXZ) could be effective for the treatment of...