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Acupuncture Part 2. Physiologic Mechanisms. Physiologic Mechanism. Local inflammation and muscular effects Neural (non-opioid) segmental gate theory Neural (opioid) humeral theory Somatovisceral (autonomic) effects Bioelectrical theory. Local Effects: De Qi Sensation.
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Acupuncture Part 2 Physiologic Mechanisms
Physiologic Mechanism • Local inflammation and muscular effects • Neural (non-opioid) segmental gate theory • Neural (opioid) humeral theory • Somatovisceral (autonomic) effects • Bioelectrical theory
Local Effects: De Qi Sensation • Caused by sequential activation of • A-delta * • C-fiber * • Group II fiber * • Blocked by local anesthesia • Requires intact nervous system • Not seen at non-AP points
Local Effects: De Qi • PRABM response in horses (pilomotor reaction along bladder meridian)
Local Effects • Muscle Reaction • contraction around the needle • ipsilateral flexion • contralateral extension • Leads to tissue relaxation and relief of muscle spasm • Principle of trigger point therapy
Local Effects • Anatomically, AP points are sensitive to microtrauma • Releases Hageman’s Factor XII • activates clotting cascade, complement cascade, plasminogen and kinins • Produces local PGs • Mast Cell degranulation • histamine, heparin and kinin protease • Releases Bradykinin
Local Effects: Event Sequence • Vasoconstriction 15-30 sec • Quasi-control 10 sec-2 min • Vasodilatation 2 min-2 wk • local immune status • local BF • local muscle and tissue relaxation
Physiologic Mechanism • Local inflammation and muscular effects • Neural (non-opioid) segmental gate theory • Neural (opioid) humeral theory • Somatovisceral (autonomic) effects • Bioelectrical theory
Segmental Analgesia • Evoked by high frequency, low intensity stimulation of AP point • Rapid onset • Diminishes after cessation • Not reversed by naloxone
Gate Theory of Melzack & Wall • A-delta fibers conduct information to spinal cord before slow conducting C fiber information arrives • These fibers lead to inhibition (pre-synaptic) of information carried by the C fibers (pain)
Gate Theory of Melzack & Wall • Fast transmitting fibers lead to pre-synaptic inhibition
Physiologic Mechanism • Local inflammation and muscular effects • Neural (non-opioid) segmental gate theory • Neural (opioid) humeral theory • Somatovisceral (autonomic) effects • Bioelectrical theory
Humeral Mechanisms • Interaction of AP point with • Spinal Cord • Brainstem • Higher Centers • Mediated through neurochemical interactions
Opioid Humeral Mechanisms • Take 30-40 minutes • Persists for hours • Generalized effect which is reversed by naloxone • Transferable from one patient to another • Tolerance to and cross tolerance with morphine develops
Opioid Humeral Mechanisms • Dexamethasone ß-endorphin levels and AP analgesia • Adrenalectomy ß- endorphins and AP analgesia • Hypophysectomy eliminates AP analgesia
5HT Humeral Mechanisms • [5HT] in systemic circulation by 30-40% following AP • CNS maintains balance between 5HT and ß-endorphins • endorphins alter 5HT release (regulating pain threshold in spinal cord) • 5HT blocks effects of naloxone
Potentiators of AP effects substance P histamine cGMP Antagonists of AP effects GABA cAMP Other Humeral Mechanisms
Non-Responders High levels of cholecystokinins in the hypothalmus Thought to be the anti-AP hormone that block effects of acupuncture Can block this with l-phenylalanine Turns non-responders to responders Other Humeral Mechanisms
Humeral Mechanisms: Systemic Endocrine Effects • Improves BF to pituitary axis and capillary wall [enzyme] • Releases somatotropin in chronic pain patients • Induces LH release • Stimulates prolactin and oxytocin release • Modulates thyroid function
Physiologic Mechanism • Local inflammation and muscular effects • Neural (non-opioid) segmental gate theory • Neural (opioid) humeral theory • Somatovisceral (autonomic) effects • Bioelectrical theory
Somatovisceral Reflex: Autonomic Effects • AP stimulation converges with visceral efferent resulting in reflexive interactions with internal organs (along internal connecting meridians) • Regionally located • Referred pain regions
Autonomic Effects • Indication of certain AP points correlate with symptoms for viscera at the same spinal segment • Bring descending influence only to the level of stimulation, ipsilaterally • Specificity of AP points related to somatotropic location
Autonomic Effects • Referred pain • Convergence of Somatic and Visceral inputs in CNS • dorsolateral funiculus • spinothalamic tracts • Visceral A-delta fibers reflexively affect muscles • inflammation and cramping
Autonomic Effects • AP of somatic structures can treat internal organs (through meridian connections) • AP modulates both arms of ANS • Segmental sympathetic vasodialation • Highly specific • Stimulate a specific AP point, get a specific physiologic change
Autonomic Effects • AP stimulation of GV26 altered BP, HR and RR in dogs undergoing induced shock • Mortality in controls = 100% • Mortality in AP-treated = 25%
Autonomic Effects • Stimulation of PC6 • lipid peroxidation of the heart • coronary blood flow • improved cardiac rhythm
Potentiators of AP effects ß-adrenergic * eserine Antagonists of AP effects -adrenergic * atropine Autonomic Effects
Physiologic Mechanism • Local inflammation and muscular effects • Neural (non-opioid) segmental gate theory • Neural (opioid) humeral theory • Somatovisceral (autonomic) effects • Bioelectrical theory
Bioelectric Theory • DC energy channels correspond to AP meridians • Points of low electrical resistance on the skin correspond to AP points • Acupuncture • AP point • Meridian • Qi • Bioelectric • Amplifier • Conductor • Bioelectricity
OtherAP Effects • Anti-fever • GI regulation • Anti-inflammation effect • Blood pressure regulation • Stress relief • Aging prevention • Performance enhancement • Improving microcirculation • Face lift
Order of effectiveness • Western Approach • First Local Points • Next segmental points • Finally distant points • Local & Segmental points activate brain areas directly related to point function • Distant points activate placebo areas of the brain
Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (TENS units) • Well accepted method to produce analgesia • Electrodes hard to apply to haired animals • May just be acupuncture without needles
Conclusions • AP represents part of an ancient system of comprehensive health care • As scientific knowledge expands, modern correlations are being developed which help translate this ancient wisdom into today's terms • May the Qi be with you!!!