is(are) implicated as the source of pain relief provided by acupuncture. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) Serotonin Epinephrine Endorphins

Acupuncture is believed to provide pain relief through the modulation of various neurotransmitters and hormones in the body. The following substances are implicated in the analgesic effects of acupuncture: 1. **Endorphins**: - **Role**: Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers. They function similarly to opioids by binding to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce the perception of pain. - **Acupuncture Mechanism**: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which helps alleviate pain and promote a sense of well-being. 2. **Serotonin**: - **Role**: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that contributes to the regulation of mood, appetite, and pain perception. - **Acupuncture Mechanism**: By influencing serotonin levels, acupuncture can help modulate pain signals and improve mood, which can indirectly reduce the perception of pain. 3. **GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)**: - **Role**: GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, helping to reduce neuronal excitability and promote relaxation. - **Acupuncture Mechanism**: Acupuncture may enhance GABAergic activity, leading to decreased anxiety and lowered pain sensitivity. **Epinephrine (Adrenaline)**, while involved in the body's stress response and can influence various physiological processes, is **not typically considered a primary mediator** of acupuncture-induced pain relief. **Summary**: - **Implicated in Acupuncture-Induced Pain Relief**: - GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) - Serotonin - Endorphins - **Not Primarily Implicated**: - Epinephrine Understanding these mechanisms helps in appreciating how acupuncture can serve as a complementary therapy for pain management by leveraging the body's own biochemical pathways.