Acupuncture Explained
TELL ME MORE - LOCAL EFFECT
For the full "Acupuncture Explained" article >>> see here
Most acupuncture points that we find in the body are in muscle tissue. When we insert a needle through the skin ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is released locally. This ATP is converted into ADP and then into adenosine.
Adenosine acts in two ways. First, it may bind to A1 receptors on the nociceptor afferent nerve and inhibit the signals from the lesion. This gives a small antinociceptive effect from the needle in the lesion site. Secondly some adenosine binds to the epithelium of blood vessels and induces the release of NO (nitric oxide). NO is a potent vasodilator: it will dilate the blood vessels and increase local circulation.
This is very helpful if we are treating local ischemia. We therefore have two effects at the peripheral site due to inserting an acupuncture needle. One is pain inhibition, the other is vasodilation.
As the needle moves deeper (usually) into muscle and is then manipulated by rotation or oscillation until “de qi” is felt (a sensation of heaviness), it will activate ergo-receptors in the muscle tissue to release CGRP (calcitonin gene related protein), another potent vasodilator. CGRP also has a trophic effect, it stimulates the growth of the blood vessel epithelium, an important part of wound healing.
START HERE - read the articles in this order
>>> ACUPUNCTURE EXPLAINED
>>> Acupuncture Explained - Tell me more - Local Effect
>>> Acupuncture Explained - Tell me more - Segmental Effect
>>> Acupuncture Explained - Tell me more - General Effect
>>> Acupuncture Explained - Tell me more - Trials, Placebo and Sham Acupuncture
Bill Ferguson, Osteopath
May 2020
