Acupuncture and Pain Relief: The Biochemical and Cytokine Mechanisms

By Dr. Dennis Jang, Chiropractor & Acupuncturist

Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing that has been used for thousands of years to relieve pain and treat a wide range of medical conditions. Despite its long history of use, the precise mechanisms by which acupuncture relieves pain are still not completely understood. In recent years, however, scientists have made significant progress in uncovering the biochemical and cytokine pathways involved in acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects.

The Biochemical Mechanisms of Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points.

One of the key ways in which acupuncture is believed to relieve pain is by stimulating nerve fibers and releasing chemicals in the body that modulate pain perception and produce feelings of relaxation and well-being. For example, the stimulation of points has been shown to activate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, leading to the release of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory hormones. In addition, the stimulation of acupuncture points has been shown to release endorphins, which are naturally occurring chemicals in the body that act as pain inhibitors. Endorphins bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, thereby reducing the transmission of pain signals and producing a feeling of relaxation and well-being.

The Cytokine Mechanisms of Acupuncture

In addition to its effects on hormones, acupuncture has also been shown to regulate the release of cytokines, which are signaling molecules produced by cells that play a role in inflammation and pain perception. These changes in cytokine levels are thought to contribute to the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture. By reducing inflammation, acupuncture can help to alleviate pain and promote healing in the affected area..

The Limitations of Current Research

While there is a growing body of evidence supporting the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture, much remains to be understood about the precise mechanisms involved. The majority of studies conducted to date have been small, and the results have been inconsistent, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the effects of acupuncture on cytokine levels and pain perception.

Furthermore, the complexity of the human body and the many factors that can influence pain perception and cytokine release make it difficult to isolate and study the effects of acupuncture in a controlled setting. For these reasons, much more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between acupuncture and cytokines, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved.

Conclusion

Despite the limitations of current research, there is no denying the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Whether through the release of pain-relieving hormones, the regulation of cytokine levels, or some other yet-to-be-discovered mechanism, acupuncture has been shown time and time again to be a safe and effective form of treatment for a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, and arthritis.

However, it is important to remember that acupuncture is not a cure-all and should be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment. If you are experiencing pain and are considering acupuncture as a form of treatment, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine if it is right for you.

References:

  1. Peng, Y. H., Zhang, H. Q., Han, F., & Cheng, J. T. (2017). Cortisol and Interleukin-10 Secretions in Healthy Individuals Following Acupuncture Treatment. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017, 6893083. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6893083

  2. Sun, Y., & Li, J. (2018). Endorphins and Acupuncture. Frontiers in neurology, 9, 724. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.00724

  3. Liu, J. P., Chen, L., Yang, X. Y., Li, X., Wang, H., Li, H., … & Liu, J. H. (2017). Acupuncture regulates cytokine secretion in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of translational medicine, 15(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-016-1110-9

  4. Wang, X., & Cai, Y. (2015). Cytokine modulation in acupuncture therapy. World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, 25(2), 21-28.

Dr Dennis Jang

Dr. Dennis Jang is our resident Acupuncturist (and also very experienced Chiropractor). He has extensive experience treating musculoskeletal pain disorders in Australia and internationally. He gained his Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and Master of Chiropractic degrees from Macquarie University, and his Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from UTS. Dr. Jang is available in West Gosford and Green Point.