The science behind acupuncture – Harvard study sheds light on the neuroanatomical aspect – Times Now

The science behind acupuncture  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi:Several ancient healing methods from across the world have been passed on from one generation to the other in form of traditions and cultures. Yoga, acupuncture, naturopathy, Kampo medicine, etc., are among some popular forms exhibiting these nuanced traditional methods of medicine and treatment. However, these alternate forms of healthcare date back to hundreds of years and despite being relevant and effective among some communities, little or no evidence on the same often caused these methods to be rendered obsolete and useless.

Acupuncture is one such form of traditional healing that originated in China. It is still being used as an alternative medicine to treat various health issues such as pain, mental distress, etc. This method uses the 'puncture' technique which involves piercing the skin at specific points of the body using thin needles. Acupuncture aims at eliminating an imbalance between yin and yang, which according to the Chinese tradition, is the cause of any health distress.

The credibility of acupuncture is highly debated, however, several studies, such as the study published in the journal Nature titled A neuroanatomical basis for electroacupuncture to drive the vagaladrenal axis shed light on the neuroanatomical aspect of acupuncture. This can help achieve a better understanding of this method of healing and might also give way to the adaptation and application of this method to treat various other health complications.

As reported by Harvard Medical School, Qiufu Ma, lead investigator and author of the study said, Based on this nerve fibre distribution, we can almost precisely predict where electrical stimulation will be effective and where it will not be effective.

They tell us the acupuncture parameters, so where to go, how deep to go, how strong the intensity should be, he added. He defined the findings as the first concrete, neuroanatomic explanation for acupoint selectivity and specificity.

Despite mice being the subject of the study, the neuron organization in mammals, including humans, have been found to be evolutionarily conserved.

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The science behind acupuncture - Harvard study sheds light on the neuroanatomical aspect - Times Now

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