Abstract
Acupuncture increases release and biosynthesis of morphine-like substances (including enkephalins) in certain areas of the brain. Analgesic effects of acupuncture on somatic pain, in superficial as well as in deep and referred pain, are partially produced through the activity of opiate receptors. Morphine tolerance does not decrease the analgesic effects of acupuncture. The mechanisms of acpuncture analgesia differ from that of stress analgesia.
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