The Neurophysiology of Acupuncture: A Viewpoint

1997 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miltiades Karavis
Keyword(s):  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Psychiatric Disease ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Enzyme Release ◽  
Pain Syndromes ◽  
Inhibitory Mechanisms ◽  
Electric Injury ◽  
Sensory Neural ◽  
The Brain

Acupuncture is a specialised sensory stimulation that is analysed through sensory neural pathways. Therefore to understand its action we have to analyse the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the nervous system, aided with a knowledge of neuroendocrinology and the chemoarchitecture of the brain. Various neural theories have been developed to explain the mechanisms of acupuncture. It is now evident that acupuncture reacts at local, regional (spinal cord) and general (brain) levels. Therefore, inserting one or more needles at particular points (or areas) of the body activates neural pathways on three different levels, provoking local, regional, and general reactions. The local reaction is a multifactorial phenomenon. The electric injury potential due to the needle, the presence and synthesis of opioid peptides at the site of injury, and substance P, histamine like substances, bradikinin, serotonin and proteolitic enzyme release around the needle, all occur during needling. The regional reaction concerns the activation of a larger area (2–3 dermatomes) via reflex arches. We can analyse the viscero-cutaneous, cutaneo-visceral, cutaneo-muscular and viscero-muscular reflexes and also the vegetative, stretch and polysynaptic segmental reflexes. The general reaction mainly activates the brain central mechanism of internal homoeostasis. We can explain the action of acupuncture in acute and chronic pain syndromes, in addiction and in psychiatric disease through the role of central neurotransmitters and the modulatory systems that are activated by acupoints: opioid, non-opioid and central sympathetic inhibitory mechanisms.

scholarly journals Pathways of neuro-immune communication: past and present time, clinical application

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 405-418
Author(s):  
E. A. Korneva
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Sympathetic Nerves ◽  
The Body ◽  
Autonomic Nerves ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Pulsed Ultrasound ◽  
The Brain

Fundamental studies in neuroimmunophysiology are the keystone for development of new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of infectious, allergic, oncologic and autoimmune diseases. The achievements in this field allowed approving new treatment methods based on irritation of afferent and efferent fibers of autonomic nerves. That became possible due to numerous studies of pathways between the immune and nervous systems performed over last two decades. The milestones in the history of neuroimmune communication research are represented here. The immune system organs – bone marrow, thymus and spleen are coupled to central nervous system (CNS) via sympathetic nerves. Information about LPS and bacteria emergence in peritoneum, intestine and parenchymal organs reaches the brain via parasympathetic pathways. After vagotomy, the brain neurons do not respond to this kind of antigens. The pattern of brain responses to different applied antigens (the EEG changes and the quantity of c-Fos-positive neurons) is specific for definite antigen, like as algorithms of electroneurogram after exposure to different cytokines. Activation of parasympathetic nerves causes the inhibition of inflammation. The entry of any antigens into the body initiates production of cytokines (IL-1, TNFα, IL-6, IFNγ etc.), via specific receptors which are present on peripheral neurons and terminals of vagus nerve, i.e. the vagal afferent terminals and neurons respond to cytokine action, and these signals are transmitted to CNS neurons. The afferent vagal fibers end on the dorsal vagal complex neurons in the caudal part of medulla oblongata. The information about bacterial antigens, LPS and inflammation is transmitted to the brain via afferent autonomic neural pathways. The speed of this process is high and significantly depends on the rates of cytokine production that are transmitters of signals upon the antigen exposure. It is important to emphasize that this events occur within minutes, and the response to the received information proceeds by reflex mechanisms, i.e., within fraction of a second, as exemplified by inflammation (“inflammation reflex”). This is a fundamentally new and revolutionary discovery in the functional studies of immune system regulation. Clinical efficiency of n. vagus stimulation by pulsed ultrasound was shown, being used for the treatment of inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune diseases, e.g., multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, renal inflammatory diseases. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve reduces the death of animals in septic shock by 80%. The mentioned data have made a revolution in understanding the functional arrangement of immune system in the body. A hypothesis is represented, which suggests how the information on the antigen exposure is transmitted to the brain.

scholarly journals THE FUNCTION OF THE BRAIN IN LOCOMOTION OF THE POLYCLAD WORM, YUNGIA AURANTIACA

1923 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Stimulation ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Anterior Region ◽  
Spontaneous Movement ◽  
Peripheral Stimulation ◽  
Motor Nerves ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Stimulation Of

Coordinated swimming movements in Yungia are not dependent upon the presence of the brain. The neuromuscular mechanism necessary for spontaneous movement and swimming is complete in the body of the animal apart from the brain. Normally this mechanism is set in motion by sensory stimulation arriving by way of the brain. The latter is a region of low threshold and acts as an amplifier by sending the impulses into a great number of channels. When the head is cut off these connections with the sensorium are broken, consequently peripheral stimulation does not have its usual effect. If, however, the motor nerves are stimulated directly as by mechanical stimulation of the median anterior region, then swimming movements result. Also if the threshold of the entire nervous mechanism is lowered by phenol or by an increase in the ion ratios See PDF for Equation and See PDF for Equation then again peripheral stimulation throws the neuromuscular mechanism into activity and swimming movements result.

scholarly journals The effects of unilateral Swedish massage on the neural activities measured by quantitative electroencephalography (EEG)

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-46
Author(s):  
Nattakarn Kaewcum ◽  
Vorasith Siripornpanich
Keyword(s):  
Somatosensory Cortex ◽  
Central Area ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Quantitative Eeg ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Brain Functions ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
The Brain

Purpose It is generally accepted that massage can provide a lot of benefits to human health, especially for the brain functions. Little is known about the effect of unilateral massage on the brain activities. Nowadays, Swedish massage is a modern massage technique that is popular in both treatment and research fields. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of unilateral Swedish massage on brain activities with electroencephalography (EEG) recording. Design/methodology/approach In total, 18 healthy adult participants (5 men, 13 women) aged between 22 and 36 years were massaged over one side of arm, forearm, hand, neck and face. Then the same procedures were repeated to another side of the body. EEG was recorded before (baseline) and during each massage condition. The absolute power of four common brain waves consisting of δ (0.5-4 Hz), θ (4-8 Hz), α (8-13 Hz), and β activities (13-30 Hz) from the quantitative EEG analysis between baseline and each massage condition were used to compare with the paired t-test. Findings The study found the reduction of δ and θ powers over bilateral frontal, fronto-central, and central areas. The increments of α power over the similar brain areas were also observed. These findings indicated the generalized effect of unilateral Swedish massage for inducing relaxation. Moreover, the significant reduction of β power was also found over right central area when left-arm massage was applied. This finding revealed the initial inhibitory effect of Swedish massage over right somatosensory cortex that received sensory stimulation through massage from left side of the body. Originality/value Unilateral Swedish massage induced the inhibitory effect at the contralateral somatosensory cortex and then produced the generalized effect which is compatible with relaxation.

scholarly journals 60 YEARS OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY: Redefining neuroendocrinology: stress, sex and cognitive and emotional regulation

2015 ◽  
Vol 226 (2) ◽  
pp. T67-T83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce S McEwen ◽  
Jason D Gray ◽  
Carla Nasca
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Hormone Receptors ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Neural Circuitry ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
The Body ◽  
Steroid Hormone Receptors ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Central Organ ◽  
The Brain

The discovery of steroid hormone receptors in brain regions that mediate every aspect of brain function has broadened the definition of ‘neuroendocrinology’ to include the reciprocal communication between the brain and the body via hormonal and neural pathways. The brain is the central organ of stress and adaptation to stress because it perceives and determines what is threatening, as well as the behavioral and physiological responses to the stressor. The adult and developing brain possess remarkable structural and functional plasticity in response to stress, including neuronal replacement, dendritic remodeling, and synapse turnover. Stress causes an imbalance of neural circuitry subserving cognition, decision-making, anxiety and mood that can alter expression of those behaviors and behavioral states. This imbalance, in turn, affects systemic physiology via neuroendocrine, autonomic, immune and metabolic mediators. In the short term, as for increased fearful vigilance and anxiety in a threatening environment, these changes may be adaptive. But, if the danger passes and the behavioral state persists along with the changes in neural circuitry, such maladaptation may need intervention with a combination of pharmacological and behavioral therapies, as is the case for chronic anxiety and depression. There are important sex differences in the brain responses to stressors that are in urgent need of further exploration. Moreover, adverse early-life experience, interacting with alleles of certain genes, produce lasting effects on brain and body over the life-course via epigenetic mechanisms. While prevention is most important, the plasticity of the brain gives hope for therapies that take into consideration brain–body interactions.

The Brain as a Tool

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray Guillery
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Self ◽  
Movement Control ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mammalian Brain ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Neural Connections ◽  
Standard Textbook ◽  
The World ◽  
Cortical Hierarchy ◽  
The Brain

We don’t perceive the world and then react to it. We learn to know it from our interactions with it. All inputs that reach the cerebral cortex about events in the brain, the body, or the world bring two messages: one is about these events, the other, travelling along a branch of that input, is an instruction already on its way to execution. This second message, not a part of standard textbook teaching, allows us to anticipate our actions, distinguishing them from the actions of others, and thus providing a clear sense of self. The mammalian brain has a hierarchy of cortical areas, where higher areas monitor actions of lower areas, and each area can modify actions to be executed by the phylogenetically older brain parts. Brains of our premammalian ancestors lacked this hierarchy, but their descendants are still strikingly capable of movement control: frogs can catch flies. The cortical hierarchy itself appears to establish and increase, from lower to higher levels, our conscious access to events. This book explores the neural connections that provide us with a sense of self and generate our conscious experiences. It reveals how much yet needs to be learnt about the relevant neural pathways.

scholarly journals The Striatum’s Role in Executing Rational and Irrational Economic Behaviors

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 475-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian J. Bamford ◽  
Nigel S. Bamford
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Dopamine Release ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Emotional Memory ◽  
Neural Pathways ◽  
Critical Component ◽  
Reward Seeking ◽  
Motor Movements ◽  
The Brain

The striatum is a critical component of the brain that controls motor, reward, and executive function. This ancient and phylogenetically conserved structure forms a central hub where rapid instinctive, reflexive movements and behaviors in response to sensory stimulation or the retrieval of emotional memory intersect with slower planned motor movements and rational behaviors. This review emphasizes two distinct pathways that begin in the thalamus and converge in the striatum to differentially affect movements, behaviors, and decision making. The convergence of excitatory glutamatergic activity from the thalamus and cortex, along with dopamine release in response to novel stimulation, provide the basis for motor learning, reward seeking, and habit formation. We outline how the rules derived through research on neural pathways may enhance the predictability of reflexive actions and rational responses studied in behavioral economics.

Electroencephalogram during arousal from hibernation in the birchmouse

1960 ◽  
Vol 199 (3) ◽  
pp. 535-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per Andersen ◽  
Kjell Johansen ◽  
John Krog
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Body Temperature ◽  
Electrical Activity ◽  
Action Potentials ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
The Body ◽  
Muscle Action ◽  
Oral Temperature ◽  
Body Temperatures ◽  
The Brain

In the birchmouse, Sicista betulina, electrical activity of the brain was recorded at an oral temperature as low as 2.5°C. At body temperatures below about 10°C the activity consisted of bursts of slow waves separated by silent intervals. On increasing body temperature during the arousal this pattern was gradually replaced by activity of higher frequency until a normal electroencephalogram was recorded at about 30°C. No typical desynchronization of the EEG in response to sensory stimulation was noted until the body temperature reached that same level. The vocalization at low body temperatures induced by faint stimulation therefore seems to be unrelated to EEG desynchronization. The increase of recorded muscle-action potentials during the arousal from hibernation paralleled the increase in oxygen consumption and body temperature described previously (1).

scholarly journals Development of a multi-sensory stimulation therapy device for the realization of tailor-made neurorehabilitation

Impact ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (5) ◽  
pp. 72-74
Author(s):  
Takayuki Kodama
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Sensory Stimulation ◽  
Body Representation ◽  
Brain Dysfunction ◽  
The Body ◽  
Ageing Population ◽  
Rehabilitation System ◽  
Virtual And Augmented Reality ◽  
New Treatments ◽  
The Brain

The brain and the body are inextricably linked and therefore inevitably impact on one another. Despite this, medical treatments tend to separate the mental and the physical. Professor Takayuki Kodama, Kyoto Tachibana University, Japan, is a neurophysiological researcher who believes that it is important to understand what is occurring in the brain at a structural and mental level in order to effectively treat conditions. His research is geared towards improving recovery and quality of life for people with brain dysfunction, including those who have been involved in serious accidents or surgery, as well as the ageing population. Specifically, he is shedding light on the neurophysiology behind brain dysfunction and the process of physical therapy in order to improve the effectiveness of treatments. At the Kodama lab, researchers are combining the latest understanding of brain activity with new virtual and augmented reality in the quest to develop innovative new treatments. A key focus for the lab is better understanding the link between mental and physical health. The researchers will utlise this knowledge to assist people with brain dysfunction with their recovery - both physical and mental. At present, Kodama and the team are engaged in a deep exploration of the relationship between the degree of detailed sensorimotor dysfunction and the ability to generate body movements. They will apply this to the development of an optimised tailor-made rehabilitation system that matches the disorders of sensorimotor function and body representation.

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