Home  »News  »Health-Beauty News

Acupuncture works by killing pain in the brain, say researchers

09/02/2010

Acupuncture works by killing pain in the brain, say researchersAcupuncture is effective because it works by stopping the brain, rather than the body, experiencing pain, new research shows.

According to the study, which was published in Brain Research, the parts of the brain which are responsible for processing pain were deactivated when acupuncture was administered.

Meanwhile, another study presented at Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting suggested that the Chinese therapy could be an effective treatment for depressed pregnant women.

Dr Mike Cummings, medical director at the British Medical Acupuncture Society, said previous brain imaging research has shown similar results to the two new studies.

He noted: "Acupuncture tends to result in decreased activity in some of the primitive parts of the brain associated with pain, suffering and mood."

It also had effects on sensory nerves in the spinal cord and in nerve endings in the area where the treatment is applied, he stated.

"Because of these mechanisms acupuncture appears to be particularly effective at treating pain and the suffering related to pain, but it may also have some effects on mood disorders, such as depression, through its general effects on the brain," he added.

See how you can transform your life with a free laser eye surgery consultation.

Posted by Carla Spuri. ADNFCR-2295-ID-19606357-ADNFCR

Related Health-Beauty News

Unlock the cash in your pension now

Unlock the cash in your pension now

Get the compensation you deserve

Get the compensation you deserve

Holidays in Costa del Sol at £99.00!

Holidays in Costa del Sol at £99.00!

Win a Two Night New Year Detox Break for 2 People
Win a year
Win £250 cash with Cheapflights.co.uk
All offers are subject to our standard terms & conditions