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Skin-Brain Axis: neural pathways in acupuncture treatment
Teng He1,2, Yuanjia Zheng1,3, Jinglan Yan1,3
1Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 4655 University Road, Jinan, 250355, People's Republic of China.
Chinese Medicine
|October 7, 2025
Summary
The skin-brain axis involves nerve signals from skin to brain. Acupuncture therapies leverage this connection by stimulating skin acupoints, influencing brain function through nerve pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- The skin-brain axis describes bidirectional communication between the skin and central nervous system.
- Body surface stimulation, like acupuncture, influences brain activity, but underlying mechanisms require clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture's efficacy.
- To explore the skin-brain axis in the context of therapeutic body surface stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Review of neurobiological substrates of acupuncture.
- Focus on acupoint skin activation, peripheral nerve signal conduction, and central nervous system responses.
Main Results:
- Acupoints exhibit specific skin activation patterns.
- Peripheral nerve signals are relayed to the central nervous system.
- Central nervous system responses are modulated by these signals.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture efficacy is mediated by the skin-brain axis.
- Understanding these pathways can optimize therapeutic interventions.
- Further research into neurobiological substrates is warranted.
