Regenerative Medicine and Acupuncture/Moxibustion

Abstract

The main mechanisms by which acupuncture/moxibustion treatment exerts its effects are "activation of the pain inhibitory system", "influence on tissue perfusion" and "relaxation of hypertonic muscles". Basic research has been conducted on these effects in various fields, and substantial knowledge has been obtained. Furthermore, in clinical studies based on the results of such research, these key expressions are often used to discuss outcomes. As can be seen from this, in most cases, acupuncture/moxibustion treatment is used to cause functional changes rather than organic changes. On the other hand, "regenerative medicine" is a field that requires clear organic changes. The theme of "regenerative medicine and acupuncture/moxibustion" discussed in this symposium is a challenge to enter a new area of medicine that differs from conventional acupuncture/moxibustion treatment. In this presentation, "peripheral nerves", "bones", "tendons" and "muscles" are the focus, and the results of previous research on each are introduced. This paper summarizes the details.