Scientific Approach for Acupuncture

• Published in: Zen Nihon Shinkyu Gakkai zasshi (Journal of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) Vol. 45; no. 3; pp. 177 - 191
• Main Authors: NISHIJO, Kazushi, MORI, Hidetoshi, TSUKAYAMA, Hiroshi, YAMASHITA, Hitoshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 1995
• ISSN: 0285-9955; 1882-661X
• DOI: 10.3777/jjsam.45.177

Techniques for acupuncture and moxibustion can be expressed by three factors: when, and how to stimulate. This paper offers a clear scientific explanation “how” or the Acupuncture techniques of tonification and sedation that have been passed down. Primary nervous responses to acupuncture can be classified into two specific types: restraining of the functions of the sympathetic nervous system's β-receptor system and accelerating the functions of the parasympathetic nervous system. Respiratory rhythm is closely related to the functions of the parasympathetic nervous system. Changes in the functions of the autonomic nervous system due to changes in posture are related to the sympathetic nervous system. Stimuli to the skin or subcutaneous tissue can induce responses using the parasympathetic nervous system as a centrifugal path, while stimuli to the fascia or muscles can induce responses using the sympathetic nervous system in the same way. It was discovered that to effectively obtain such responses, the parasympathetic nervous system should be stimulated shallowly while the patient is sitting and expiring, whereas the sympathetic nervous system should be stimulated deeply while the patient is supine.