Biologists have shown the effectiveness of electroacupuncture in rats

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    Biologists from Georgetown School of Medicine, using stimulation of one of the famous acupuncture points on the body of rats, have achieved stimulation of the axis of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland. The reaction of rats under stress due to cooling turned out to be similar to the response of some antidepressants and sedatives. According to scientists, the results indicate that the effect of acupuncture can be more than just the placebo effect.

    Acupuncture - This is a medical procedure that came to us from ancient China. Treatment sessions are carried out by introducing special needles at special points on the human body. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that the channels of vital energy “qi” pass through the body, and literally all the problems of the body are associated with a disruption in the flow of this energy, which spreads along special lines called “meridians”.

    The scientific studies accumulated over a long period of time, which tried to confirm or refute the healing power of acupuncture, generally agree that the effect of this procedure is similar to the placebo effect. Simply put, the patient would have recovered already. In addition, the effectiveness of the procedures is highly dependent on the “operator” - that is, on the person who conducts it. Also, the atmosphere of the procedure, special preparations, and other surroundings affect the effectiveness.

    In human anatomy, which is currently fairly well ( although not quite ) studied, the "magic points" indicated by ancient treatises do not stand out in anything special. In addition, in some cases, acupuncture has done more harm than good - from patients refusing to treat serious illnesses with modern methods and ending with the use of contaminated needles.

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    The results that biologists achieved in a study on rats were clearly not caused by the placebo effect. True, in the study they used not ordinary needles, but electric ones, which have an additional effect on the body. The so-called so-called impact point was chosen. St36 - "gastric meridian point." It is located on the lower leg, but at the same time, according to traditional medicine, affects digestion.

    The axis of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland ( GGN ) is a complex set of relationships and signals between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. When information about an abnormal situation (stress) enters the brain, the hypothalamus located in the brain secretes a special hormone that carries the message further to the pituitary gland, which is physically connected to the hypothalamus.

    He produces another hormone that is in a hurry to deliver news to the adrenal glands, located - correctly, above the upper poles of the kidneys. The hormone induces the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Among other things, cortisol increases blood sugar and prepares the body for the expected “fight or flight” reaction. The adrenal glands (called adrenal gland in English) release adrenaline, which increases heart rate and blood pressure.

    This continues until our hormones reach the levels that our body needs, and then a series of chemical reactions begins to turn them off. For example, cortisol released by the adrenal gland suppresses the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (this stops sending the signal to get more cortisol). Thus, the operation of the GGN circuit is also provided by feedback. This complex system of producing and slowing down the production of hormones is also regulated by medications, in particular, some antidepressants and sedatives.

    “This study is the culmination of several works demonstrating how acupuncture can affect the human body and reduce levels of stress and pain, and in the long run - and depression,” says Dr. Ladan Eshkevari, a leading specialist in this work. “We have found a mechanism that can do this, and now we are facing blind clinical trials in humans with placebo.”

    Having successfully discovered and studied the mechanisms that will allow controlling the human body by non-pharmacological methods, scientists will make a breakthrough in the treatment of diseases, reducing the side effects of treatment.

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