How Acupuncture Reduces Inflammation and Enhances Circulation in the Brain, Heart, and Joints
By Li Zheng and Changhong Zhou
Abstract
Acupuncture has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries, known for its holistic benefits and the versatility for different kinds of health issues such as neuropathy, allergies and pain. Recent research has focused on its ability to reduce inflammation and improve circulation, particularly to critical organs like the brain, eyes, heart, and joints. This article examines the mechanisms by which acupuncture, especially at acupoint ST36 (Zusanli), exerts these effects, highlighting its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing inflammatory conditions such as macular degeneration, colitis, tendonitis, and sinusitis.
Introduction
Acupuncture has gained increasing attention in modern medicine for its therapeutic efficacy in treating a variety of conditions, including chronic inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. A key focus of research has been on the ST36 acupoint, known for its potent anti-inflammatory and circulation-enhancing properties. Acupuncture at ST36 has been shown to reduce inflammation by modulating immune responses and activating the vagus nerve, while also promoting digestion. This paper reviews current evidence supporting these claims, highlighting the biological mechanisms involved.
The Anti-inflammatory Role of Acupuncture at ST36
Vagus Nerve Activation and Cytokine Regulation
Research has extensively explored how electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 modulates inflammation through various biological pathways. One of the most critical mechanisms is the activation of the vagus nerve, which triggers the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. This pathway plays a crucial role in suppressing systemic inflammation by influencing the release of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Both cytokines are major contributors to chronic inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, coronary artery disease, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
In animal models of sepsis, ST36 acupuncture has been shown to significantly reduce inflammatory markers, enhancing survival rates by modulating macrophage polarisation—promoting a shift from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. This balance is crucial for reducing tissue damage and promoting recovery. Additionally, acupuncture’s effects are mediated through the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signalling pathway, which further suppresses inflammation at a cellular level by reducing the activation of immune cells that contribute to chronic inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory Impact on Multiple Systems
Acupuncture at ST36 has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects across various organ systems. In the digestive system, it has been shown to alleviate conditions like acute pancreatitis and colitis by reducing systemic inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-1β, and by restoring the integrity of the intestinal barrier through upregulation of key proteins like ZO-1 and Occludin. In the respiratory system, ST36 acupuncture has been effective in reducing inflammation in asthma and acute lung injury models by modulating cytokine release and improving lung tissue integrity.
In the nervous system, acupuncture at ST36 reduced neuroinflammation in models of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuropathic pain, showing its potential to alleviate inflammation-related neurological damage. It also decreased oxidative stress in the brain, which is associated with conditions like stroke and dementia, potentially protecting against neurodegenerative diseases by improving the brain’s inflammatory environment.
Enhancing Circulation: Effects on the Brain, Heart, and Joints
Improved Circulation to the Brain
Acupuncture at ST36 has been shown to enhance cerebral circulation, which is critical for maintaining cognitive function and preventing neurodegenerative disorders. Improved blood flow to the brain increases oxygen and nutrient delivery, promoting neurogenesis and reducing oxidative stress, which plays a key role in conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease and stroke. By stimulating vasodilation and reducing blood viscosity, acupuncture facilitates efficient blood flow, helping to prevent ischemic damage and promoting long-term brain health.
Cardiovascular Benefits
The heart benefits from improved circulation through acupuncture as well. By enhancing blood flow to the heart, acupuncture on ST36 helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions like atherosclerosis, Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and heart attacks. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture decreases inflammation in cardiovascular tissues by downregulating cytokines like TNF-α, promoting overall vascular health. The vagal nerve activation induced by acupuncture also improves heart rate variability, an indicator of cardiovascular resilience, particularly in patients with chronic heart disease.
Joint Health and Inflammation Reduction
For individuals suffering from arthritis or joint pain, acupuncture at ST36 significantly enhances circulation to the joints, which is critical for removing metabolic waste and inflammatory mediators. By increasing blood flow, acupuncture accelerates tissue repair and helps manage chronic pain associated with joint inflammation. This is particularly beneficial in conditions like back pain, knee pain, neck pain and other joint pain, where the reduction of inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6 can help slow disease progression and improve mobility.
Mechanisms of Action: A Deeper Look
Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway
A pivotal mechanism in acupuncture’s anti-inflammatory effects is the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, regulated by the vagus nerve. When activated, this pathway suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (chemical messengers, which promote chronic inflammation in the body), particularly in the immune system and digestive system, where excessive inflammation can cause significant damage. Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory benefits of ST36 acupuncture points are diminished when the vagus nerve is severed, confirming its central role in acupuncture’s therapeutic effects.
TLR4/NF-κB Signalling and Macrophage Polarisation
Acupuncture also influences inflammation through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, which regulates immune cell activity. By downregulating this pathway, acupuncture reduces the activation of pro-inflammatory immune cells, while promoting a shift towards anti-inflammatory immune responses. Additionally, the modulation of macrophage polarisation further aids in tissue repair, as M2 macrophages facilitate healing and tissue regeneration, helping to resolve inflammation-related damage more effectively.
Conclusion
Acupuncture, particularly at ST36, offers a potent, side-effect-free alternative to conventional anti-inflammatory treatments. Through mechanisms such as vagus nerve activation, cytokine regulation, and improved circulation, acupuncture not only reduces inflammation but also enhances blood flow to vital organs like the brain, heart, and joints. These benefits extend beyond symptomatic relief, addressing the root causes of chronic inflammation and promoting long-term health and vitality. As further research solidifies our understanding of acupuncture’s mechanisms, it continues to emerge as a powerful therapeutic tool for managing inflammation and improving circulatory health.
FAQs
1. How does acupuncture improve blood circulation?
Acupuncture improves circulation by stimulating vasodilation, reducing blood viscosity, and enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, especially in the brain, heart, and joints.
2. Can acupuncture help with arthritis-related inflammation?
Yes, acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammatory mediators in joints, alleviate pain, and improve mobility in conditions like arthritis.
3. Is acupuncture safe for improving heart health?
Research indicates that acupuncture can reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the heart, promoting cardiovascular health.
4. How many sessions are required to see results for inflammation?
The number of sessions varies depending on the condition of each individual, but most patients experience improvements within 6 to 12 sessions.
References:
Ji-Eun Oh and Seung-Nam Kim. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture at ST36 Point: A Literature Review in Animal Studies. Frontiers in Immunology 2022.