Implications of Physiological and Behavioral States of Extremely Low Noise-Levels for Acupuncture *

Abstract

On the basis of reported results it is here postulated that acupuncture induces states of exceptionally low noise-level and that ic shares essential features with the “quiet” of meditation. Noise, in the present context, can be represented by physiological interactions with factors that have no relevance to the nature of the essential physiological activities. These are “disturbed” by the noise. Decreasing relative noise-levels for a given signal are illustrated informationally by thermal noise in physics, chemistry, and physiological chemistry. Information, as noise decreases, becomes less diffuse and concurrently the perceived signals becomes sharper, more specific, and effectively more intense. Sharp differentiation becomes evident between formerly blurred signals. Weak signals ordinarily lost in the background become recognizable. Equivalent refinements in perception are cited by Zen Buddhist practitioners during and because of meditation. We are thus led to ascribe similar refinement during acupuncture to physiological activities, in particular, to those of the cerebral cortex. Thus, the processing and flow of physiological information have become more specific, sensitive, and comprehensive for regulation and for restoration to normal function.