Neurobiology of Acupuncture

This book summarises the recent development in acupuncture research and in particular, the neurobiology of acupuncture. It provides a focus but a diverse range of subjects covering many body systems. The first a few chapters discuss the basic principles of acupuncture, then its modulatory effects on nervous system such as induction of neurotrophin and neurogenesis in the brain. Late chapters explore the clinical effects and potential mechanisms of acupuncture on different conditions ranging from neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and stroke, to psychiatric illnesses, insomnia, hypertension, gastrointestinal diseases and drug addiction. We believe this will promote the understanding acupuncture treatment and enhance acupuncture research in the future.

This volume of International Review of Neurobiology brings together cutting-edge research on the neurobiology of acupunctureIt reviews current knowledge and understanding, provides a starting point for researchers and practitioners entering the field, and builds a platform for further research and discovery

1. History of Acupuncture Research

Yi Zhuang, Jing-jing Xing, Juan Li, Bai-Yun Zeng and Fan-rong Liang

2. Effects of Acupuncture Needling with Specific Sensation on Cerebral Hemodynamics and Autonomic Nervous Activity in Humans

Kouich Takamoto, Susumu Urakawa, Kazushige Sakai, Taketoshi Ono and Hisao Nishijo

3. Acupuncture point specificity

Jing-jing Xing, Bai-Yun Zeng, Juan Li, Yi Zhuang and Fan-rong Liang

4. Acupuncture Stimulation Induces Neurogenesis in Adult Brain

Min-Ho Nam, Kwang Seok Ahn and Seung-Hoon Choi

5. Acupuncture and Neurotrophin Modulation

Marzia Soligo, Stefania Lucia Nori, Virginia Protto, Fulvio Florenzano and Luigi Manni

6. Acupuncture Stimulation and Neuroendocrine Regulation

Jung-Sheng Yu, Bai-Yun Zeng and Ching-Liang Hsieh

7. Current development of acupuncture in Parkinson’s Disease

Bai-Yun Zeng, Sarah Salvage and Peter Jenner

8. Acupuncture Therapy for Stroke Patients

Xin Li and Qiang Wang

9. Effects of Acupuncture Therapy on Alzheimer’s Disease

Bai-Yun Zeng, Sarah Salvage and Peter Jenner

10. Acupuncture Therapy for Psychiatric Illness

Karen Pilkington

11. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Insomnia

Kaicun Zhao

12. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Drug Addiction

Cai-Lian Cui, Liu-Zhen Wu and Yi-jing Li

13. Acupuncture Regulation of Blood Pressure: Two Decades of Research

John Longhurst and Stephanie Tjen-A-Looi

14. Effect and Mechanism of Acupuncture on Gastrointestinal Diseases Toku Takahashi