針刺的生理機轉

Physiological Mechanisms in Acupuncture

在最近數十年來，針刺已在西方國家越來越普及與受到重視，並且在針刺止痛這方面也部分被接受為正規的治療方法。有數種因素與真次的被西方國家接受有關，譬如，有研究報告顯示針刺可減除急性和慢性的疼痛，並且對部分針刺止痛的機轉有進一步的瞭解。而針刺被西方正統醫學所部分接受的最重要因素就在於利用科學方法來評估針刺的療效。在有控制條件下的實驗以驗證了主觀宣稱的效果。內嗎啡的發現，以及知道此一物質如何被周邊感覺神經刺激而四放的過程，引起了對暸解並發展此一生物效應的廣大興趣。

During the recent decades acupuncture has become increasingly popular and partly accepted in many western countries, mainly as a pain relieving method. Several factors have contributed to the popu;arity of acupuncture and understanding of some mechanisms of action. Most important for its partial acceptance in the medical profession has been the results of the application of scientific methods in the evalutation of its effects. Controlled studies have verified empirical claims of effect. The discovery of endogenous systems and how they are influenced by sensory stimulation have evoked a large interest in understanding and developing the biological effects of such stimulation.