Understanding Acupuncture Based on ZHENG Classification from System Perspective
Figure 1
The entire effect of acupuncture is associated with the regulation of NEI which plays an extensive role in disease treatment. The nerve, endocrine, and immune systems are distributed over the body widely and the three systems can regulate mutually; thus the complex regulation network is formed and the other body systems are regulated. The body defense, growth, and development are regulated by the complex system (a). Acupuncture may treat diseases by regulating the NEI network and then develop effects such as anti-inflammation, neuroprotection, and antioxidative stress in disease treatment (b). Needling specific acupoints, the change of NEI network can reflect acupuncture effect systematically.
