IICMC

The greater our understanding of the physiological mechanisms of acupuncture, the easier it is to demonstrate that acupuncture can produce significant health benefits. Much research has explored the neural pathways, signalling pathways, mediators and receptors which participate in acupuncture's numerous effects. Initially, much of the research was focused on acupuncture analgesia. The discovery of various endogenous opioids, released in response to acupuncture, has done much to promote the credibility of acupuncture. Now research is delving into other fields such as the effects of acupuncture on inflammation, neuromodulation, immunomodulation and the effects of acupuncture on circadian regulation.