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Endocrinological basis of acupuncture
The American Journal of Chinese Medicine
|January 1, 1981
Summary
Acupuncture influences hormone release, affecting glands like the pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands. Further research is needed to fully understand the endocrinological basis of acupuncture.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Acupuncture's widespread effects suggest humoral factors are involved.
- Decades of research support the humoral factor hypothesis.
- Electrophysiological and histochemical studies indicate hypothalamic and pituitary involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the endocrinological mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects.
- To explore the influence of acupuncture on various endocrine glands.
Main Methods:
- Controlled clinical and experimental investigations.
- Electrophysiological and histochemical analyses.
- Bio-assay methods for hormone level assessment.
- Physiological and morphological observations.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture stimulates the release of anterior pituitary hormones.
- Significant influences observed on thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads.
- Preliminary evidence suggests effects on pancreatic islets and parathyroid glands.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture modulates the endocrine system through humoral factors.
- Hypothalamus and pituitary play a role in acupuncture's effects.
- Further investigation is required to elucidate the complete endocrinological basis of acupuncture.