The Science of Neurofunctional Acupuncture
/The Science of Neurofunctional Acupuncture
Acknowledging that traditional narratives are outdated, medical acupuncture is an approach that is based upon a theory that is in line with current scientific understanding of how the body works (Robinson, 2016; White, 2009). Acupuncture originated in a pre-scientific era - Meridians and the concepts of Qi ought to be replaced by a knowledge of neuroanatomical structures. This neuroanatomical basis of "meridians" may actually end up leading to the development of an exciting systems biology approach to treating diseases and chronic pain.
Acupuncture points are often located along the fascial tissues enriched with nerves, vascular/lymphatic vessels, and immune cells (Ma, 2020). The insertion of an acupuncture needle provides mechanical stimulation of specialized sensory receptors located in the cutaneous and subcutaneous structures. Preferential sites for acupuncture stimulation are associated with areas rich in specialized sensory receptors such as muscle spindles, Golgi tendon organs, ligament receptors, Paciniform and Ruffini’s receptors (joint capsules), deep pressure endings (within muscle belly), and free nerve endings (muscle and fascia). Based on the neurological model, all these areas are highly innervated and as a result there are a number of physiological responses that help modulate the experience of pain. An observed favorable outcome may be explained by overlapping mechanisms in the periphery, spinal cord, and brain.
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