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Monitoring Acupuncture Effects on Human Brain by fMRI
Published on: April 8, 2010
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[The shortcut pathway between scalp acupuncture and brain]
Shu-Ya Wang1, Jia Wang1, Kun Liu1
1Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research
|January 8, 2021
Summary
Scalp acupuncture may regulate intracranial tissue by stimulating the trigeminal nerve. This pathway involves axon reflexes between the trigeminal ganglion and nucleus caudalis, potentially influencing brain tissue circulation and function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Acupuncture Research
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Scalp acupuncture is a common clinical therapy.
- Its precise nerve pathways and mechanisms remain under-investigated.
- Scalp acupoints connect to the trigeminal nerve, influencing cerebral blood vessels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the neuroanatomical pathways and mechanism of action for scalp acupuncture.
- To explore the role of the trigeminal nerve in scalp acupuncture's effects on intracranial tissues.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing animal experiments and human trials.
- Analysis of trigeminal nerve innervation of scalp acupoints and leptomeninges.
- Investigation of axon reflex pathways between trigeminal ganglion and nucleus caudalis.
Main Results:
- Scalp acupoints are innervated by the trigeminal nerve.
- A potential shortcut pathway exists via axon reflexes involving primary trigeminal neurons and secondary trigeminal nucleus caudalis neurons.
- This pathway may directly regulate nutrient and active substances in brain tissue.
Conclusions:
- Scalp acupuncture likely exerts its effects through trigeminal nerve pathways.
- The identified neurogenic pathway suggests a mechanism for regulating and treating intracranial tissues.
- Further systematic studies are warranted to fully understand scalp acupuncture's therapeutic potential.
