Pain Pathways and Dry Needling: From Gate Control to Descending Inhibition

Course overview

*Describe the three primary mechanisms of acupuncture and the local tissue effects triggered by needle insertion, including mast cell degranulation and endogenous opioid release. *Explain how large-diameter mechanoreceptor afferents close the pain gate at the dorsal horn and why mechanoreceptor input is essential for joint health. *Identify the three descending analgesic pathways and the endogenous opioids and receptors responsible for acupuncture-mediated pain inhibition. *Apply the alpha-7 nicotinic vagal cholinergic pathway and electroacupuncture frequency parameters to optimize clinical outcomes for inflammation, pain, and tissue healing.