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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.

4 of 159 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Not acupuncture by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Plus another problem is that this is one "accupuncture pressure point". IIRC, there are scores, if not hundreds of the bastard things on a human body.

    This study proves accupuncture is valid about as much as the fact that pork can transfer inimical biotic agents from pigs to humans causing the latter to become sick or even die is proof that the Old Testament is valid knowledge.

    You know, not at all.

    It may have gotten lucky. Or it may have extrapoleted a complete fiction out of a few observed facts and then felt fine with living with that "explanation".

  2. Re:Not acupuncture by LeadSongDog · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Clearly what the poster intended was that When acupuncture first developed the Chinese did not have knowledge of electricity.
    Not everyone is writing with the intent of addressing an audience of pedants.

    --
    Oh, I'm sorry sir, I thought you were referring to me, Mr. Wensleydale.
  3. Re:Not acupuncture by AmiMoJo · · Score: 4, Insightful

    The study is trying to determine if modern acupuncture works. Since this is the way most modern acupuncture is performed, the objection seems irrelevant.

    --
    const int one = 65536; (Silvermoon, Texture.cs)
    SJW, n: "Someone I don't like, and by the way I'm a fuckwit" - AC
  4. Re:I'm laughing by sjames · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Yes, at a point that "just happens" to be what that ancient practice declared to be just the right point. Much like earlier FMRI studies showed that the visual cortex was affected by needles into the foot, but only at a point that "just happened" to be exactly the point the acupuncturists said was related to vision.

    So how many "just happens" will it take for you? Will you continue to heap derision on each study that moves closer to proof?