Mechanical signaling through connective tissue: a mechanism for the therapeutic effect of acupuncture

The mechanism of action of acupuncture remains largely unknown. The reactio n to acupuncture needling known as 'de qi', widely viewed as essential to t he therapeutic effect of acupuncture, may be a key to understanding its mec hanism of action. De qi includes a characteristic needling sensation, perce ived by the patient, and 'needle grasp' perceived by the acupuncturist. Dur ing needle grasp, the acupuncturist feels pulling and increased resistance to further movement of the inserted needle. We hypothesize that 1) needle g rasp is due to mechanical coupling between the needle and connective tissue with winding of tissue around the needle during needle rotation and 2) nee dle manipulation transmits a mechanical signal to connective tissue cells v ia mechanotransduction. Such a mechanism may explain local and remote, as w ell as long-term effects of acupuncture.