Therapeutic components of acupuncture stimulation based on characteristics of sensory nerve and nervous signaling pathway.
10.1016/j.joim.2025.02.002
- Author:
Hyo-Sun WIE
1
;
Seung-Nam KIM
2
Author Information
1. College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea.
2. College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: snkim@dongguk.edu.
- Publication Type:Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Acupuncture;
Acupuncture point;
Meridians;
Nervous system;
Sensory nerve;
Therapeutic component
- MeSH:
Humans;
Acupuncture Therapy/methods*;
Signal Transduction;
Animals;
Sensory Receptor Cells/physiology*;
Acupuncture Points
- From:
Journal of Integrative Medicine
2025;23(2):106-112
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Acupuncture, a therapeutic practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and integrated with modern neuroscience, achieves its effects by stimulating sensory nerves at specific anatomical points known as acupoints. This review systematically explores the therapeutic components of acupuncture, emphasizing the interplay between sensory nerve characteristics and neural signaling pathways. Key factors such as acupoint location, needling depth, stimulation intensity, retention time, and the induction of sensations (e.g., Deqi) are analyzed for their roles in neural activation and clinical outcomes. The review highlights how variations in spinal segment targeting, tissue-specific receptor activation, and stimulation modalities (e.g., manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion) influence therapeutic effects. Emerging evidence underscores the significance of ion channels, dermatomes, myotomes, and gene-specific pathways in mediating systemic effects. Additionally, the differential roles of mechanical, thermal and nociceptive stimuli and the temporal dynamics of sensory and immune responses are addressed. While insights from animal models have advanced our understanding, their translation to clinical practice requires further investigation. This comprehensive review identifies critical parameters for optimizing acupuncture therapy, advocating for individualized treatment strategies informed by neuroanatomical and neurophysiological principles, ultimately enhancing its precision and efficacy in modern medicine. Please cite this article as: Wie HS, Kim SN. Therapeutic components of acupuncture stimulation based on characteristics of sensory nerve and nervous signaling pathway. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 106-112.
