Can acupuncture points play a role in the response of the human Circadian clock to extraocular light exposure?
Am J Acupuncture. 1998;26: 277-280. A recent study found that extraocular light exposure could shift or reset the biological clock. Biological day and night are believed to originate in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) portion of the hypothalamus, which is connected to the pineal gland that produces melatonin mainly in darkness. In a prior study, light was applied to the posterior knee for 3 hours at night using fiberoptic pads. This reset the biological clock and changed the wake-sleep cycle. This author believes the light stimulates local acupoints and fits in with the ancient Midday-Midnight Law of Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture has been used to counter jet lag and for the treatment of sleep disturbances. The SCN is densely innervated by serotonergic fibers and acupuncture has been shown to affect them. Comment: The author proposes testing acupuncture, indicating the new bent for laser therapy, as a therapy for circadian rhythm problems. 4. Eisenberg D. Trends in alternative medicin
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