天美传媒

Abstract

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical practice, has been increasingly recognized in modern medicine for its analgesic effects in both acute and chronic pain conditions. Despite widespread clinical use, the underlying neural mechanisms remain partially understood. This article explores the modulation of pain pathways by acupuncture through the lens of modern neuroimaging techniques, particularly Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Findings from multiple neuroimaging studies reveal that acupuncture influences key regions involved in pain perception and modulation, such as the Periaqueductal Gray (PAG), Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC), insula, thalamus, and prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, evidence suggests that acupuncture engages endogenous opioid pathways and modulates both ascending and descending pain systems. The integration of acupuncture into contemporary pain management is strengthened by these neurobiological insights, which also highlight the potential for patient-specific treatment protocols based on individual neural response patterns.