Abstract

Bases científicas de la analgesia acupuntural. Rev. Méd. Urug. [online]. 2005, vol.21, n.4, pp.282-290. ISSN 1688-0390.

Summary This review synthesizes the most important papers on acupuncture analgesia written in foreign universities until September 2005. Acupuncture, a medical therapy, is efficient to relief pain and the concomitant emotional component. It produces reflex responses mediated by super centres of central control and endocrine and immunologic systems. Neuromodulation of nociception studies as well as other studies related to mechanisms of acupuncture have become more important in the last decades. Using neurophysiologic, neuropharmacologic, neurochemical and neuro-imaging methods, research teams agree that acupuncture stimulation activates afferent fibres of peripheral nerves producing nervous impulse that ascend to the brain via the ventrolateral fascicule of the spinal cord. They conclude that neuromodulation include periphery events, spinal mechanisms, ‘gate control’, supra spinal mechanisms, through descendent inhibitory pathway, diffuse inhibitory nociceptive mechanism, autonomic nervous system, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and cortical mechanisms. Some cerebral nucleus take part, such as: caudate nucleus, arcuato, accumbens, periaqueductal gray substance, rafe nucleus, and limbic system areas; peptide modulators; neurotransmitters: serotonine, norepinephrine, acetilcoline and hormones. Different researchers suggest that it activates the gene expression of endogen opioids peptides precursors: beta endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphins. Many authors recommend an adequate selection of electro-acupuncture parameters and the combination with drugs if necessary during surgery.

Keywords : ANALGESIA POR ACUPUNTURA; NOCICEPCIÓN [ neuromodulación].

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