Main description:

This book summarises the recent development in acupuncture research and in particular, the neurobiology of acupuncture. It provides a focus but a diverse range of subjects covering many body systems. The first a few chapters discuss the basic principles of acupuncture, then its modulatory effects on nervous system such as induction of neurotrophin and neurogenesis in the brain. Late chapters explore the clinical effects and potential mechanisms of acupuncture on different conditions ranging from neurological diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and stroke, to psychiatric illnesses, insomnia, hypertension, gastrointestinal diseases and drug addiction. We believe this will promote the understanding acupuncture treatment and enhance acupuncture research in the future.

Contents:

History of Acupuncture Research
Yi Zhuang, Jing-jing Xing, Juan Li, Bai-Yun Zeng and Fan-rong Liang

Effects of Acupuncture Needling with Specific Sensation on Cerebral Hemodynamics and Autonomic Nervous Activity in Humans
Kouich Takamoto, Susumu Urakawa, Kazushige Sakai, Taketoshi Ono and Hisao Nishijo

Acupuncture point specificity
Jing-jing Xing, Bai-Yun Zeng, Juan Li, Yi Zhuang and Fan-rong Liang

Acupuncture Stimulation Induces Neurogenesis in Adult Brain
Min-Ho Nam, Kwang Seok Ahn and Seung-Hoon Choi

Acupuncture and Neurotrophin Modulation
Marzia Soligo, Stefania Lucia Nori, Virginia Protto, Fulvio Florenzano and Luigi Manni

Acupuncture Stimulation and Neuroendocrine Regulation
Jung-Sheng Yu, Bai-Yun Zeng and Ching-Liang Hsieh

Current development of acupuncture in Parkinson's Disease
Bai-Yun Zeng, Sarah Salvage and Peter Jenner

Acupuncture Therapy for Stroke Patients
Xin Li and Qiang Wang

Effects of Acupuncture Therapy on Alzheimer's Disease
Bai-Yun Zeng, Sarah Salvage and Peter Jenner

Acupuncture Therapy for Psychiatric Illness
Karen Pilkington

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Insomnia
Kaicun Zhao

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Drug Addiction
Cai-Lian Cui, Liu-Zhen Wu and Yi-jing Li

Acupuncture Regulation of Blood Pressure: Two Decades of Research
John Longhurst and Stephanie Tjen-A-Looi

Effect and Mechanism of Acupuncture on Gastrointestinal Diseases Toku Takahashi