Modulation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) in the anti-inflammatory function of the vagus nerve
The α7nAcetylcholine receptor comes up again and again in research on inflammation and has been studied in the context of acupuncture too. Vagal activity is key to natural feedbacks for anti-inflammation. I’ve been monitoring Heart Rate Variability (HRV) for many years which is a measure of autonomic balance. Autonomic balance refers to the relative contributions…
Read MoreInternational Consensus Based Review and Recommendations for Minimum Reporting Standards in Research on Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (Version 2020)
As blog readers know, I’m using TAVNS in the office in conjunction with acupuncture. Some patients have a unit they use at home also. It is becoming a focus of keen interest in the allopathic medical community, so this article covers guidelines for its use. Front Hum Neurosci. 2020; 14: 568051. Published online 2021 Mar 23. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.568051…
Read MoreTRPA1 is necessary for IL-1β induced vagus nerve activity
This is an abstract from the recent Bioelectronic summit. I am keeping tabs on all of the cytokines and mechanisms because they, in many instances, can explain how acupuncture works. I realize this is can seem abstract, but with enough data coming in, we will have a fuller picture. Building the science brick by bridk….
Read MoreCovid Vaccine Pioneers and Others Win 2021 Lasker Awards in Medicine
I just love the story of one of the researchers, Katalin Kariko. I shared her inspirational story here. She persevered in her work on messenger RNA even though she didn’t even have a lab. “they are among the most prestigious prizes in medicine, and scores of Lasker winners have gone on to receive the Nobel…
Read MoreDopamine mediates vagal modulation of the immune system by electroacupuncture.
I’ve probably written about this paper before, but it’s part of the point by point case for acupuncture activating anti-inflammatory effects by exploiting the immune system. In this case, sciatic nerve electroacupuncture stimulates the vagus nerve to activate DOPA decarboxylase which leads to the production of dopamine in the adrenal medulla. Dopamine inhibits cytokine production. …
Read MoreTAVNS and GERD, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease
This study shows that transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (TAVNS) improves the symptoms of GERD through vagal activity. This study shows that transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (TAVNS) improves the symptoms of GERD through vagal activity. Zhang B, Hu Y, Shi X, Li W, Zeng X, Liu F, Chen JDZ, Xie WF. Integrative Effects and Vagal…
Read MoreMemory Improvement in Senescent Prone Mice With Electroacupuncture
The mice treated with acupuncture were better able to navigate a water maze and had a lowering of brain inflammatory markers.This study looks at senescent prone mice and delivers acupuncture in a set prescription once a week for 8 weeks (not intensive, at only once a week). The set prescription (for acupuncturists) is K3, Bl23,…
Read MoreRole of Neuroimmune Crosstalk in Mediating the Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Acupuncture on Inflammatory Pain
I’m slowly making some progress on my chapter on Inflammation and acupuncture’s role in decreasing it, as well as other “natural” means of mitigating it. This article is a great summary of some of the messengers and mechanisms of how acupuncture works to limit inflammation. It’s complicated to be sure, but to me, very exciting. …
Read MoreTAVNS and HRV: Statistical Analysis of Studies
Keywords: Bayesian statistics; heart rate variability; meta-analysis; tVNS; transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation. In this study, there was no evidence of TAVNS affecting the vagally mediated component of HRV. Researchers believe, however, that TAVNS does more to inhibit sympathetic activity than increase vagal activity, so TAVNS still might have benefit in improving autonomic balance.This study…
Read MoreElectroacupuncture ameliorates intestinal inflammation by activating α7nAChR-mediated JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in postoperative ileus.
acupuncture/electroacupuncture can suppress inflammation. It does this by harnessing the immune system feedbacks. One of which involves vagal stimulationI’m working on my chapter for my writing project on Inflammation, and this study came across the transom. I fully realize that this is a jargon heavy topic. The point of posting it, is to show that…
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