Some people believe that acupuncture is pointless. But I’m sure it will work. Acupuncture was first practiced thousands of years ago and is still practiced today. That alone should mean something. Early practitioners believed that life force and rhythm were in balance. Modern science has proven that acupuncture can alter brain circuits, change the anatomy of brain cells, and improve blood flow in the brain.
Back in 2004, evidence emerged that acupuncture changes a specific brain pathway: the nucleus gracilis, a region of the medulla oblongata, a primitive brain region that controls important life functions such as heart rate and breathing. for signals entering and exiting the brain from the thalamus to the thalamus (a major relay point). By stimulating this dorsal medulothalamic pathway, the acupuncture effect spreads upward to various parts of the cerebral cortex (mediating acupuncture effects on pain, craving, anxiety, etc.) and downward to the spinal cord (mediating acupuncture effects on pain, craving, anxiety, etc.). Mediates the effects of acupuncture on craving, anxiety, etc.). heart rate and digestion).
Over the next two decades, new tools evolved, making the study of brain circuits more precise. Chief among them is functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Like standard his MRI, fMRI produces beautiful, life-like images of the brain. Additionally, fMRI uses blood flow and glucose metabolism to assess activity in different regions and subregions of the brain.
In 2022, scientists evaluated chronic migraine patients who responded to acupuncture. After acupuncture or sham (control) treatment, patients underwent clinical examination and fMRI. Researchers have identified the medulla, the cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination), and the precuneus (the part of the brain that allows us to feel in control of our actions and events in the outside world). , discovered brain circuits that were altered by acupuncture. ).
One particular target, known as the Neiguan point, has received a lot of scientific attention. Have you ever heard of a wristband with a small button that is sold to prevent seasickness? Sure, it seems like a scam, but there’s science behind it. Back in 2001, a Swedish scientist enrolled her 60 pregnant women in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. They demonstrated that acupressure on the Neiguan points improved symptoms of nausea and vomiting. A subsequent analysis of 26 separate scientific studies strengthened the evidence, proving that stimulation of the neiguan points improves nausea and vomiting caused by morning sickness and other causes. If you’re wondering why that goofy wristband didn’t work for you, you probably don’t know what Naiguan points are and you’re probably wearing that damn wristband in a random spot on your wrist. .
Stimulation of the internal point has been shown to be more effective than just nausea and vomiting. Many more! Brain cells (neurons) have receptors (like little dream catchers) on their surfaces that allow floating proteins (neurotransmitters) to lodge. When neurotransmitters bind to receptors, the activity of neurons changes. Acupuncture to the Neiguan point can change nerve receptors, especially in the hippocampus (the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory). Based on this knowledge, doctors began testing acupuncture at the Neiguan point to treat memory disorders.
In 2023, scientists evaluated fMRI of Alzheimer’s patients immediately after acupuncture treatment. Researchers reported changes in activity in the cingulate cortex (an area of the brain involved in emotion, learning, and memory), the frontal lobe (an area of the brain that controls executive functions), and the cerebellum in treated subjects. Based on this anatomy, they concluded that acupuncture can alter the activity of the brain’s default mode network (DMN). The DMN is an extensive network of ganglia in the neocortex, wired together by white matter (axonal) cables. The DMN operates behind consciousness and is important for internal thoughts such as reminiscence and daydreaming. The DMN is especially active when we think about others or plan future events.
Also in 2023, various scientists studied the effects of AccuShock (electrical stimulation of acupuncture points) on the Neiguan point and Stone Guarantee point after traumatic brain injury. Researchers enrolled more than 80 patients with mild to moderate head injuries and randomly assigned half of them to treatment. People who received AccuShock had laboratory evidence (blood tests) of less brain damage and also enjoyed better levels of cognitive (thinking) function. Scientists concluded that acupuncture improves the flow of oxygen and nutrients and may limit secondary effects of brain injury.
Yet another team looked separately at a cohort of older patients who underwent certain types of surgeries known to cause cognitive decline (heart and lung surgeries) and a group of patients who underwent bowel surgery. We investigated the effects of AccuShock. The researchers stimulated the Neiguan and Zusrani points in half of the patients (randomly assigned). People who received AccuShock had laboratory evidence (blood tests) of less brain damage and also enjoyed better levels of cognitive (thinking) function.
I don’t know if reading this has made you a believer in acupuncture, but I hope it has opened your mind at least a little.
Mark Arginteanu is a neurosurgeon and author of Azazel’s Public House.
