Am J Chin Med. 1979 Summer; 7(2): 183-7.

The neurophysiological mechanism of acupuncture treatment in psychiatric illness: an autonomic-humoral theory.

Chen CH.

The author traces acupuncture and its development from antiquity to the present time. Based on knowledge and experience so far gathered, an autonomic-humoral theory is proposed to explain the possible mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of psychiatric conditions. Essentially, the autonomic nervous system and the neurotransmitters are most likely involved. It is hoped that this proposal will stimulate further research in this area.