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Friday, 19 May 2006 |
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How acupuncture works has been a great mystery to scientists, but now it appears that the use of acupuncture on pain-relief points cuts the blood flow to key areas of the brain within seconds, which provided the best explanation to date of how this ancient technique might help relieve pain and treat addictions. A team of researchers used Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on approximately 20 healthy volunteers before, during and after acupuncture to determine the changes in blood flow and the amount of oxygen in blood. Acupuncture needles were applied on the hand linked to pain relief as in traditional Chinese medicine. Volunteers experienced heaviness in their hands within seconds as a side effect of blood flow decreasing to specific areas of the brain.
The needles affected specific areas of the brain that were triggers for pain, mood and cravings. This should explain why acupuncture is a useful alternative to treating depression, eating problems, addictions and pain. The areas of the brain affected were loaded with dopamine, a “reward” chemical that produces intense reactions to anything from food to beautiful images and money. The slowing of the blood flow could lead to the dopamine effect that results in releasing endorphins that provide the brain with natural pain relieving and comforting chemicals. Results of this study were a positive first step, however controlled research on pain and addiction patients will be needed to solidify the research. Brain scans are recommended for patients getting acupuncture to determine the exact pain-relief points. Experts have found the effects of the placebo are so powerful that they could affect blood flow and increase brain chemicals such as endorphins. |
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