Alan Bensoussan

The author urges the close scrutiny of TCM theory, after which the main substance of the article demonstrates the point that most clinical studies of acupuncture have focused on its use in pain management. Findings from studies of the release of different neuro-hormones as a result of acupuncture are summarised. Since these studies were mainly carried out on animals, the author sees them as limited in their ability to further the understanding of TCM theory. He argues that focusing on TCM theory and on the use of acupuncture to promote health is more useful than studying the effect of acupuncture on neuro-transmitters and pain relief.