ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES AND THE SEEBECK EFFECT - DO TEMPERATURE-GRADIENTSPRODUCE ELECTROSTIMULATION

Acupuncture may act through modifying bioelectric events and this may occur through different mechanisms including the application of extern al currents. According to the Seebeck effect which produces a potentia l difference when a temperature gradient is placed across a conductor, the physical properties of acupuncture needles may produce internal c urrents due to the temperature gradient across the needle when placed insitu. Such currents were detected when needles were differentially h eated and these currents were found to be in the range capable of prod ucing biological effects. The traditional design of acupuncture needle s and traditional needle manipulations seem to maintain a temperature gradient across the needle and thus enhance the Seebeck effect.