October 2020: This month Dr. Ming Talks about Acupuncture on the Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Network
Modern scientific researches show that the body’s inherent regulatory system is a neuro-endocrine-immune (NEI) network. The evidence of acupuncture adjusting NEI network and provide some evidences for revealing the mechanism of acupuncture. Effect of acupuncture on neuro-endocrine-immune network is a result of effects of the individual nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.
Further studies show that acupuncture could also modulate some common signaling molecules of NEI network. For example, it could promote T-cell immune responses, such as serum IL-6, hippocampus IL-6R, hypothalamus B-endorphin and corticotropin-releasing hormone, ACTH and corticosterone of HPA axis.
The NIH Consensus Panel concluded that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses, local and distal.
Laboratory and animal cancer studies have also explored the mechanisms of acupuncture through the activation and modulation of the immune system. Previous animal and human studies have suggested that acupuncture worked through immunomodulation, with significant changes in cytokines including interleukin.
These studies show that acupuncture may boost animal immune function by enhancing (natural killer) NK cell and lymphocyte activity.
Studies have also evaluated the effect of acupuncture on radiation-induced xerostomia (dry mouth), proctitis, dysphonia, weight loss, cough, thoracodynia, hemoptysis, fever, esophagael obstruction, poor appetite, night sweats, hot flashes in women and men.
MD Anderson Cancer Center Integrative Medicine Center outpatient clinic showed short- and long-term improvement in multiple symptoms including hot flashes, fatigue, numbness, tingling, and nausea.
Not only treating symptoms but also restoring the immune function, Acupuncture can cause a rise in levels of interferon, one of the immune system’s messenger hormones. Regular acupuncture therapy can be effective in treating asthma, allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, colds, and infections.
The patients who should be benefited from acupuncture are including cancer, shingle, bronchitis, allergies, arthritis, etc.
Call Dr. Ming at (301) 530-5308 if you have any further questions.
