Anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of vagal nerve stimulation combined with electroacupuncture in a rodent model of TNBS-induced colitis
This is an older paper, but it was well done. They even did a youtube video explaining the study. They found that the combination of vagal nerve stimulation and electroacupuncture was better at reducing inflammation than either therapy alone. We’ve discussed inflammatory colitis here and here. and here Anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of vagal nerve…
Read MoreEffects of Auricular Stimulation on Inflammatory Parameters: Discussion of Findings
This is a more thorough discussion of this blog post. Hua, K., Cummings, M., Bernatik, M., Brinkhaus, B., Usichenko, T., Willich, S. N., Scheibenbogen, C., & Dietzel, J. (2025). Effects of Auricular Stimulation on Inflammatory Parameters: Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurom.2024.12.007 Abstract…
Read MoreEffects of Auricular Stimulation on Inflammatory Parameters: Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
This paper looks at biomarkers for inflammation and note a decrease across a number of trials of auricular stimulation, both TAVNS and acupuncture. This is fascinating and important. We’ve looked at TAVNs and HRV (which correlates with inflammation) here and here. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39998453/ Hua K, Cummings M, Bernatik M, Brinkhaus B, Usichenko T, Willich SN, Scheibenbogen…
Read MoreNon-Invasive Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Decreases Heart Rate Variability Independent of Caloric Load
In this study, the authors looked at the effect of TAVNS comparing right and left sides. They found no difference between the two sides in the cardiac effects. HOWEVER! They found that TAVNS DECREASED HRV leading to arousal. This is in contradistinction to most studies which show an increase in HRV. The researchers used the…
Read MoreInflammation-Induced Nitric Oxide Synthase May Mediate the Acute Hypotensive Effect of ST36 Stimulation
It’s difficult for me to put this together with other findings on the stimulation of St 36. In the Nature paper, they found that different frequencies of stimulation produced either vagal increase, or sympathetic increase. So this manual stimulation in animals led to a sympathetic increase and an increase in nitric oxide which lead to…
Read MoreElectroacupuncture Autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling: Constipation in Animals
Acupuncture has been shown to activate sirtuins and MTOR. In this article they were able to look at this upregulation in the colon. The transit time increased in rats as well as the weight and water content of stool in rats with constipation. We’ve discussed mTOR and acupuncture here. and here Wang, L., Chen, Y.,…
Read MoreCosmetic Acupuncture
Acupuncture for cosmetic use: a systematic review of prospective studies I provide facial rejuvenation in the clinic. I have patients who have been coming for years and swear that it has helped slow the aging of their faces. Shin B, Lim K. Acupuncture for cosmetic use: a systematic review of prospective studies. J Cosmet Med 2018;2:76-84. https://doi.org/10.25056/JCM.2018.2.2.76…
Read MoreAlzheimer’s : Tragedy of Alzheimer Fraud Research
I’ve touched on this controversy and tragedy in the world of Alzheimer’s research, here here here and in my book, Radical Resilience. This editorial is from the NY Times from a scientist who helped uncover the faulty science. He’s also the author of a new book. The comment section is particularly interesting. Many thoughtful comments,…
Read MoreAdventures In Anti-Aging. Extreme or Visionary? Bryan Johnson YouTube Video
Can we really turn back the clock on aging? He claims he’s slowed aging by 25%—but is Bryan Johnson a visionary or just another biohacking gazillionaire? In this episode, I break down 15 aspects of his radical anti-aging experiment and Blue Print Protocol. I include the shocking reason he ditched a popular longevity drug(linked to…
Read MoreHuberman: Electroacupuncture for Pain and Inflammation, Mechanisms
The results are in, acupuncture relieves pain. Andrew Huberman lays out the truth and mechanisms. He also reveals ways to improve brain health and acute injuries. Transcript below! This study and similar are discussed. A friend took a trekking vacation in the sky high peaks Maccu Piccu last year. Coming back down the mountain, she…
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