The Mystery of Acupuncture Partly Explained In Rat Study

hackingbear writes: A biological mechanism explaining part of the mystery of acupuncture has been pinpointed by scientists studying rats. The research showed that applying electroacupuncture to an especially powerful acupuncture point known as stomach meridian point 36 (St36) affected a complex interaction between hormones known as the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. In stressed rats exposed to unpleasant cold stimulation, HPA activity was reduced (abstract). The findings provide the strongest evidence yet that the ancient Chinese therapy has more than a placebo effect when used to treat chronic stress, it is claimed. "Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs exert their therapeutic effects on these same mechanisms," said lead investigator Dr Ladan Eshkevari, from Georgetown University medical center in Washington DC.

Comments

Re:Confused

[Anonymous Coward]

Press a needle into your hard drive at the 0x542d4123 address and apply a small electric current. This should protect you from all unwanted internet content.

I see what you did there

[mwn3d]

"Pinpointed". Nice.

cue over weight western engineer ranting

[Anonymous Coward]

Acupuncture has to be a sham because my impeccable powers of logic refute 20+ centuries of success stories. We've already explained how the body works and until these Oriental con men and women can do a double blind test with at least twenty identical subjects for a sample set acupuncture will just be unproven nonsense.

Re:Ohh Ohh, do a rat study with healing crystals!

[PopeRatzo]

"why are people throwing money at obvious bunk"?

I ask myself that every time I drive past the Apple Store.