Laryngol Rhinol Otol (Stuttg). 1975 Apr; 54(4): 279-90.

[On a neurophysiological interpretation of acupunctural analgesia in tonsillectomy and in extensive operations (author's transl)]

Leicher H.

A multiple stimulus (secondary or repetitive stimulus) to the sensory nerve endings in the skin and in the connective subcutaneous tissue is exerted by acupuncture. Because of the tight interlacing of nerve endings, this stimulus affects simultaneously the sensory fibres of both the cerebrospinal nerve, the Sympathicus and the Parasympathicus. The slow conducting pain fibres (C-fibres) are inhibited in their function by the fast conducting Abeta-fibres and Adelta-fibres, which transmit pressure, vibration and electric currents (Foerster, Zottermann). In addition a secondary stimulus inhibits or modulates a peripheral pain stimulus (pain of operation) in various synapses on the sensory pathway to the cortex, especially in the substantia gelatinosa of the spinal cord. According to Keidel, Raich and Albrecht pain stimuli are masked up to 50% by vibration and other "rivaling" stimuli. Furthermore, acupuncture releases a higher level of Noradrenaline and Serotonine in the liquor of ventricles. These two biogenic amines effect also an analgesia such as demonstrated in animals by artificial injection in the ventricles. The author gives also a detailed review about the importance of the transmitters noradrenaline, serotonine and acteylcholine for the acupuntural analgesia.