Needle Chemistry: The Science Behind Acupuncture
A common accusation against traditional Chinese medicine is that it’s pseudoscience. Skeptics claim that there is no backing to assertions from practitioners and patients alike that TCM has helped them with their conditions, or that any benefit is strictly placebo. In reality, there has been a growing body of evidence to support the effects of acupuncture since the 1950’s.
Over the last decades, a concerted effort has been made by scientists across the globe to learn more about the precise functions of this practice. Beyond its traditional applications for pain relief and overall wellness, acupuncture's influence on molecular and biochemical pathways such as eATP, TRPV1, neurotransmitters, the HPA axis, and IL-6 has become an area of intense scientific investigation. In this blog post, we will explore the current understanding and research findings regarding acupuncture's impacts on these biological pathways.
Acupuncture and eATP
Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP) is a signaling molecule involved in various cellular processes, including inflammation and pain transmission. Research suggests that acupuncture may modulate eATP levels, contributing to its therapeutic effects.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can affect purinergic signaling pathways, which involve ATP and its breakdown products like adenosine. ATP released during tissue injury or inflammation can activate purinergic receptors, leading to pain and inflammation. By modulating ATP levels, acupuncture helps regulate these processes, leading to pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
Acupuncture and TRPV1
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels play a crucial role in nociception (pain sensation) and inflammation. These channels are activated by various stimuli, including heat, acids, and capsaicin (the compound that makes chili peppers spicy).
Recent studies have indicated that acupuncture can influence TRPV1 activity. Acupuncture at specific points has been shown to modulate TRPV1 channel expression and function, which may contribute to its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects. By altering TRPV1 activity, acupuncture could potentially alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with various conditions.
Acupuncture and Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses between neurons. Acupuncture has been found to influence the release and balance of several neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.
Serotonin and dopamine are involved in mood regulation, pain perception, and overall well-being. Acupuncture has been shown to increase the levels of these neurotransmitters, which may contribute to its antidepressant and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects.
Endorphins are natural opioids produced in the brain that help relieve pain and promote feelings of well-being. Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, providing pain relief and enhancing the overall therapeutic effect.
Acupuncture and the HPA Axis
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a complex neuroendocrine system involved in the body's response to stress. Chronic stress can dysregulate the HPA axis, leading to various health problems such as anxiety, depression, and immune dysfunction.
Acupuncture has been shown to regulate the HPA axis by modulating the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Cortisol is a stress hormone that plays a key role in the body's stress response. Acupuncture treatments have been found to reduce cortisol levels in individuals experiencing chronic stress, helping to restore balance within the HPA axis and improve stress resilience.
Acupuncture and IL-6
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in immune responses and inflammation. Elevated IL-6 levels have been associated with various inflammatory conditions and chronic diseases.
Research indicates that acupuncture may have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing IL-6 levels. Acupuncture treatments have been shown to decrease IL-6 production in individuals with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain syndromes. By modulating IL-6 levels, acupuncture could help alleviate inflammation and improve symptoms associated with these conditions.
Conclusion
Acupuncture's effects on eATP, TRPV1, neurotransmitters, the HPA axis, and IL-6 highlight its broad-ranging influence on physiological processes, helping us to better define how it helps with pain and anxiety. Through its modulation of these molecular and biochemical pathways, acupuncture delivers on the promise of helping the body to effect change in itself.
While research into acupuncture's mechanisms of action continues to evolve, the accumulating evidence supports its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions by targeting multiple biological pathways simultaneously. As ongoing studies refine our understanding of acupuncture's impacts on these pathways, it can finally shed the ‘pseudoscience’ misnomer.
I believe that this shows proves what has been common knowledge in Asia for generations; TCM is an excellent front-line treatment and wellness option. By gently moderating these natural physiological processes, we can effect significant change in early- to mid-stage dysfunctions with minimal intervention. Unfortunately, because misunderstanding and distrust of traditional medicine persists, we often see patients who are ‘at their wits end’ and have been suffering unnecessarily for years.
Acupuncture's integration into mainstream healthcare continues to grow, driven by both ancient wisdom and modern scientific inquiry. Hopefully this article will dispel some of the suspicion around TCM, and the undeserved assumption that it’s merely hocus pocus.
Sources
Lin, J., Kotha, P., & Chen, Y. (2022). Understandings of acupuncture application and mechanisms. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8991130/
Zuo, W., Li, Y., Cui, K., Shen, D., Zhang, D., Zheng, Y., Huang, M., Wu, Y., Shen, X., Wang, L., & Ding, G. (2022). The real-time detection of acupuncture-induced extracellular ATP mobilization in acupoints and exploration of its role in acupuncture analgesia. Purinergic Signalling, 19(1), 69–85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11302-021-09833-3
Luo, D., Liu, L., Zhang, H., Zhou, Y., Zhou, M., Li, J., Yu, Z., Chen, R., & Liang, F. (2022). Relationship between acupuncture and transient receptor potential vanilloid: Current and future directions. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2022.817738
