This article presents an up-to-date review of the various neurophysiologic mechanisms that have been proposed to produce acupuncture-induced analgesia.
Figure 4. Schematic diagram of the best explanation of the physiologic basis of acupuncture-induced analgesia.
Blue arrows = activation; red arrows = inhibition. 5-HT = 5-hydroxytryptamine; DNIC = diffuse noxious inhibitory control; LTD = long-term depression; LTP = long-term potentiation.
Neurophysiological Basis of Acupuncture-induced Analgesia—An Updated Review
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies
Volume 5, Issue 6, December 2012, Pages 261-270