Physiology of Acupressure and Acupuncture: Impulse through

Extra-neural pathways

Jayakar J Joseph

Introduction: Acupuncture

Meridian System

Stimulation of specific Acupuncture points along the skin using thin needles

About 400 acupuncture points along 20 pathways:12 primary 8 extraordinary channels

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Application of heat, pressure, low voltage AC current or laser light to these points

Introduction: Acupressure

The energy roller is a small cylinder with protuberances.

The foot roller. The power mat: small pyramid-shaped bumps that you

walk on. The spine roller is a bumpy roller containing magnets

that is rolled up and down the spine

Pressure by rubbing, rolling, or applying pressure on the reflex zones of the body.

Physiology of Impulse Sensing

Sensory receptor initiates sensory transduction by creating graded potentials or action potentials

First-order sensory neuron

When receptor exceeds a level of intensity electrical impulse travels down the Nerve fibre to the central nervous system

Sensory transduction

Conversion of a sensory stimulus from one form to another

Chemical synapse

• creating graded potentials or action potentials in the same cell or in an adjacent one.

Physiology of Impulse transmission

Membrane potentialAction potential

Difference in electrical potential between the interior and the exterior of a cell. Ranges from –40 mV to –80 mV.

Short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls, following a consistent trajectory

Created graded potential of Adjacent cell

Graded potential

Where the Acupuncture points intercepts

Acupuncture point

Thank you

Q & A

Jayakar J Joseph