Mechanisms of acupuncture

Abstract A lack of scientific studies to prove or disprove the claimed effects of acupuncture has led to its rejection by many of the western scientific community. Now that many effects of acupuncture can be explained in terms of endogenous physiological mechanisms, and that these effects are reported as similar or sometimes superior to established treatments with a very low incidence of side effects, the integration of acupuncture with conventional medicine may be possible. Some of these aspects will be presented in this condensed overview.