[Lecture Review] Acupuncture and Epigenetics: Modulating DNA Methylation through Acupuncture
Finally, the new lecture "Acupuncture and Epigenetics: Modulating DNA Methylation through Acupuncture" has been uploaded!
This lecture introduces research on the mechanisms of acupuncture from an epigenetic perspective, explaining how acupuncture influences DNA methylation mechanisms in the brain.
Lecture Overview – This lecture is structured around the following key learning objectives: 1. Understanding the role of DNA methylation in chronic pain and its relevance in epigenetics.
2. Exploring how acupuncture influences DNA methylation mechanisms and its therapeutic implications.
3. Applying scientific findings on acupuncture and epigenetics to clinical practice for managing chronic pain.
Addressing Common Questions from Patients
In clinical practice, many patients ask:
① "Is it okay to receive acupuncture treatment for a long time?"
② "Does acupuncture lose its effectiveness over time, or does the body develop resistance to it?"
This lecture provides valuable insights to answer these common concerns.
Chronic Pain and Its Connection to the Brain
Many individuals with chronic pain often experience depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Most assume these symptoms are merely due to persistent pain, but in reality, these conditions are closely linked to epigenetic changes in the brain—which is quite fascinating!
Chronic pain induces functional and structural changes in the prefrontal cortex, which in turn disrupts other brain structures and synaptic networks. This network disruption contributes to the development of chronic comorbid conditions.
Did you know that the prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in maintaining brain network stability in chronic pain?
Since this region is central to brain network collapse in chronic pain, regulating DNA methylation in the prefrontal cortex is essential for treating chronic pain and its associated conditions.
However, pharmaceutical treatments for this issue are often limited by tolerance and side effects.
In contrast, acupuncture, with its minimal side effects, is a highly suitable long-term treatment approach.
A Critical Question: Can Long-Term Acupuncture Regulate Epigenetic Changes?
A common concern is that epigenetic changes are difficult to reverse.
Even if DNA methylation can be regulated through short-term acupuncture treatment, is it possible to influence long-term epigenetic modifications with continuous acupuncture therapy?
To address this, let’s revisit the fundamental principle of epigenetics:
Epigenetic modifications are shaped by prolonged environmental exposure, diet, and experiences.
However, traumatic experiences (such as severe pain or accidents) can also trigger extreme epigenetic changes.
Chronic Pain and Epigenetic Modifications
Chronic pain involves both severe pain and prolonged exposure, making it a complex condition that likely induces multifaceted epigenetic modifications.
Currently, there is no definitive scientific evidence proving that epigenetics directly drives the widespread collapse of brain networks in chronic pain.
However, there is a strong hypothesis that epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in chronic pain-induced brain network disruption.
Why Long-Term Acupuncture Is Essential
From a therapeutic perspective, merely inducing DNA methylation changes in a few genes is not sufficient.
For complete recovery, epigenetic modifications must occur across entire brain networks, rather than being limited to isolated genes.
Thus, short-term treatments have inherent limitations.
A 2021 study published in PAIN demonstrated that six months of continuous acupuncture treatment effectively regulated DNA methylation.
This suggests that long-term acupuncture therapy may indeed induce lasting epigenetic modifications.
Moreover, unlike pharmaceuticals, acupuncture does not pose significant risks even with extended treatment durations.
This makes acupuncture a highly advantageous approach for the long-term management and treatment of chronic pain.
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