Opioid and Antiopioid Peptides: A Model of Yin-Yang Balance in Acupuncture Mechanisms of Pain Modulation

摘要: At first glance, sharp differences exist between medicinal practices originating in the east and west. While Western medicine is more technological, relies on quantitative measurements, increasingly evidence-based, Eastern minimally invasive, qualitative assessments, remains largely experience-based. However, one concept shared by both medical systems that most if not all physiological functions are regulated activities posessing opposite effects. To consider only a few examples, blood sugar decreased insulin increased glucagon, calcitonin parathyroid hormone act opposing directions to regulate calcium levels tissues, and, generally speaking, sympathetic parasympathetic have contrasting regulating many aspects of our internal environment. These phenomena can be regarded as reflections yin-yang balance described traditional Chinese medicine. Thus, “homeostasis” has long been recognized “dynamic balance” classical texts