The Basic Science of Acupuncture

When Richard F. Hobbs, III, MD, proposed another Basic Science Special Issue, I flinched somewhat because of the previous difficulties involved with obtaining suitable articles in the first special issue. ¹ Our readership is more inclined to favor clinical publications than research performed on laboratory animals. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that we are barely scratching the surface of understanding how acupuncture works. Mother Nature is not necessarily eager to share her knowledge, and we struggle to pry open her secrets. Yet, when we manage to do so, the divulged information can be quite impressive.

Unfortunately, mechanisms of the very basic components of acupuncture are lacking. Have any of our readers seen meridians and acupuncture points? Some authors claim to have this ability, and my reaction is an overhand throw of their articles into the wastebasket. Basic science research has been very profitable for the profession. For example, I would like to underscore the absolute genius of Bruce Pomerantz, MD, PhD. Dr. Pomerantz studied the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain, nerve regeneration, and cutaneous wound healing. He demonstrated that acupuncture relieved chronic pain in 55%–85% of patients, compared to a 30% relief of pain by placebo—evidence that acupuncture is as effective as many potent drugs. ²

Dr. Pomerantz's basic science research has helped me to understand electroacupuncture. This is what I learned from him. I understand that, if I want a long remission for my patients who have pain, I should stimulate at 2–4 Hz (endorphins). But I must be prepared for a slow onset. The more times I treat at the low frequency the longer might be the remission. This is what we all would like to happen. High frequencies 80–200 Hz have a fast onset to reduce pain but the pain relief does not last very long and there appears no extra value of repetitive treatments (dynorphins). Nevertheless, I have found on some patients just the opposite might happen when using low and high frequencies. ³ I now appreciate the fact that electrostimulators having a “sweep” ability for the low and high frequencies would cover all the possibilities to produce long-acting pain relief.

The point I wish to make is that careful review of basic science acupuncture research will help “i-sync” your acupuncture clinic. Dr. Hobbs has been very selective in presenting this Basic Science of Acupuncture issue. You will find this issue very enjoyable and informative. It represents what was received from our distinguished readership when the call for articles went out worldwide. We even received an article from North Korea! The very first for our journal.