Acupuncture points are found in the brain

Article last edited on March 13, 2017 by Admin

A scientific collaboration has made it possible to demonstrate, thanks to the implementation of a rigorously controlled study, the neurobiological effects of acupuncture on different areas of the brain.

The team, comprising Drs Mark Lythgoe (neurosciences, University College London), Aziz Ashghar (neuro-physiologist, University of Hull School of Medicine), Georges Lewith (University of Southampton) and Hugh McPherson (acupuncturist, University of York), developed the following protocol: in a group of volunteers subjected to deep punctures, brain activity was recorded by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG).

The results were then compared with those obtained for a control group subjected to superficial punctures. It is important to note that a deep puncture corresponds to an acupuncture needle inserted to a depth of about 1 cm, after which the practitioner induces a rotation of the needle until the “chi” effect . is obtained, an effect during which the patient feels a tingling sensation.

By comparison, superficial puncture corresponds to a needle inserted under the skin for approximately 1 mm. The results show notable differences between the two groups. The superficial punctures lead to an activation of the motor areas of the cortex, a result which is not unexpected since these are the cortical areas generally activated in response to touch or pain. On the other hand, deep punctures alter the activity of deeper areas of the brainin particular at the level of the limbic system (system implicated among others in olfaction, emotions, learning and memory).

Surprisingly, this area is inhibited in response to deep punctures. Although this observation is unexpected to say the least, it is consistent with what acupuncture supporters have always heralded, namely the effectiveness of this therapy in pain management.

This study would thus make it possible to bring the first stone to the understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms involved and could explain the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture. Professor Kathy Sykes, specialist in the communication of science working on many projects and based at the University of Bristol, will present these results in a television program on the BBC.

Text: Dr. Claire Mouchot

Origin: – Embassy of France in the United Kingdom / ADIT – http://www.bulletins electroniques.com/actualites/31995.htm

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