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Understanding Central Mechanisms of Acupuncture Analgesia Using Dynamic Quantitative Sensory Testing: A Review

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Understanding Central Mechanisms of Acupuncture Analgesia Using Dynamic Quantitative Sensory Testing: A Review EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Kong, J., Schnyer, R. N., Johnson, K. A., Mackey, S. 2013

Abstract

We discuss the emerging translational tools for the study of acupuncture analgesia with a focus on psychophysical methods. The gap between animal mechanistic studies and human clinical trials of acupuncture analgesia calls for effective translational tools that bridge neurophysiological data with meaningful clinical outcomes. Temporal summation (TS) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) are two promising tools yet to be widely utilized. These psychophysical measures capture the state of the ascending facilitation and the descending inhibition of nociceptive transmission, respectively. We review the basic concepts and current methodologies underlying these measures in clinical pain ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, and illustrate their application to ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ on acupuncture analgesia. Finally, we highlight the strengths and limitations of these ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ methods and make recommendations on future directions. The appropriate addition of TS and CPM to our current ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ armamentarium will facilitate our efforts to elucidate the central analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture in clinical populations.

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