Acupuncture—Biophysics or Metaphysics?

Abstract

Abstract

Background:

In comparison of effect sizes for acupuncture and other treatment modalities, the efficacy of acupuncture has been established. The question remains: “Are acupuncture effects explained better in terms of biophysics or metaphysics?” Progress in basic science research pertaining to acupuncture is accelerating. Likely candidates exist for biophysical mechanisms. A coherent model does not exist, however, that explains acupuncture effects completely, nor has a connection been made between modern concepts and classical paradigms. A review

Objective:

The aim of this review is to present some of the recent findings that point to underlying mechanisms of acupuncture.

Methods:

Implications are discussed, both in terms of the scientific basis for acupuncture effects and the continued need to rely upon classical concepts in the clinical setting. Current areas of interest in acupuncture research include: anatomy/histology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and physical properties of points and channels. Thus, literature searches in each of these general areas were performed.

Results:

Databases searched included PubMed (English and Chinese) from 2005 to the present, plus articles referenced in Current Research in Acupuncture. Searches yielded articles on the microscopic structure of acupuncture points; physiologic effects on the sympathetic nervous system; functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of the brain; laser Doppler studies of both local and distal perfusion effects; studies on mast-cell degranulation; demonstration of histamine dependence on the acupuncture effect; modulation of gene expression; unique physical attributes of acupuncture points; and electrical and optical properties of channels.

Results:

After examining the literature, it was possible to propose information networks, mechanisms for transmission of information, and sites for processing information.

Conclusions:

The basic science of acupuncture reveals much concerning underlying mechanisms. However, at this juncture, the knowledge base in this area of study is incomplete, and modern theories do not provide an effective paradigm for treating patients. Theories based on early Daoist concepts do collectively provide a foundation that has been successful for more than two thousand years. Putative substances, such as Qi, are derived from metaphysical assumptions.