Biomedical Effects of Acupuncture

The use of acupuncture as a method of pain relief in Western medicine is based on a wide range of clinical trials, and there is no doubt that it has significant effect in the treatment of acute and chronic pain, as to the pain classification. Acupuncture has been recognized as a pain relief method in most countries and is commonly used in general practice and at pain relief clinics in addition to conventional therapy. The introduction of Melzack`s gate-control theory and endogenous opioids facilitated the recognition of acupuncture. It is necessary to point out that any effect of acupuncture must be based on a physiological and/ or psychological mechanism. Stimulation of the cutaneous or subcutaneous tissue, where the acupuncture points are situated, by needles and other tools (soft laser, moxibustion, etc.) is effective in case of pain, allergies, functional conditions and others.