Neuroendocrine Mechanisms of Acupuncture
1Acupuncture Institute, Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, China
2Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
3Laboratory of Comparative Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1763, USA
Neuroendocrine Mechanisms of Acupuncture
Description
Acupuncture is an ancient East Asian modality that has been in use for more than 2000 years. It is currently gaining popularity worldwide as a “complementary” or “alternative therapy.” Although acupuncture therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in several clinical areas, the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture in general remain unclearly delineated. The topic of acupuncture effect has been extensively covered, including anti-inflammation, modulating endocrinologic hormone levels, regulating immune function, and neural transmitters. Recently, there are a growing focus on the critical role of the brain and a need to explain how acupuncture affects endocrine function through the CNS (central neural system). For example, there is accumulating evidence that acupuncture impacts insulin sensitivity. Potentially there are a range of neuroendocrine responses which could underlie the effectiveness of acupuncture. More in-depth analysis requires further investigation. We invite authors to present original research articles and review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts in defining and promoting the neuroendocrine mechanism of acupuncture. We are particularly interested in manuscripts that report the results of acupuncture with emphasis on the effects of acupuncture on CNS and how they contribute to regulation of acupuncture on the endocrine system. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:
- Animal and human studies of the following:
- Acupuncture and endocrine system
- Acupuncture and the central nervous system
- Future perspectives
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