Acupuncture

Question 1

What does PENS stand for?

Answer 1

Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

Question 2

What is the Hz level of LF/HI PENS?
HF/LI?
Which is closer to physiological HR?

Answer 2

LF/HI: 2-15 Hz (*closer to physio HR)

HF/LI: 30-200 Hz

Question 3

What brain areas and NTs are involved in LF/HI PENS?

HF/LI?

Answer 3

LF/HI:

• Spinal cord: enkaphalin, dynorphin B
• Midbrain: enkephalin, 5-HT, NE
• Pituitary/hypothalamus: B-endorphin, ACTH

HF/LI:
- Spinal cord/midbrain: GABA

Question 4

Naloxone blocks the effects of which type(s) of PENS?

Answer 4

LF/HI (not HF/LI)

Question 5

Describe the analgesic onset speed and duration of LF/HI PENS. HF/LI?

Answer 5

LF/HI: slow onset, long duration

HF/LI: fast onset, short duration

Question 6

Are the effects cumulative or LF/HI or HF/LI, or both or neither types of PENS?

Answer 6

LF/HI only

Question 7

Explain the Thermocouple Effect of Kelvin-Thomas.

Answer 7

Describes a gradient along the length of a homogenous conductor with a temperature gradient produced by the ends of the conductor at different temperatures (of which electrons move)
* Conversion of temp to electric voltage

Question 8

Describe the Benedick’s Effect.

- What about the structure of the acupuncture needle allows this to occur?

Answer 8

The current along a uniform conductor is reinforced by the electro-magnetic effect between the second (spiraled) metal of the handle in contact with the first metal of the shaft.
- Stainless steel shaft with a spiraled handle of copper, bronze, or alloy (creates temperature gradient)

Question 9

Name the NIH Consensus Panel’s recommended uses for acupuncture.

Answer 9

• *Addiction
• *Stroke rehabilitation
• Headache
• Menstrual cramps
• Tennis elbow
• Fibromyalgia
• Myofascial pain
• *Osteoarthritis
• Low back pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• *Asthma