Dr Maggie Ju Acupuncture London Chelsea, North Kensington, Notting Hill, and Richmond

In the world of neuroscience and physiology, β-endorphins stand out as fascinating endogenous opioid neuropeptides and peptide hormones. These natural compounds, sometimes referred to as endogenous morphine-like substances, are produced within the body, specifically in the brain. Recent research has also suggested that cells of the immune system are capable of synthesizing β-endorphins, highlighting their role beyond the central nervous system. The analgesic properties of β-endorphins are of particular interest. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), β-endorphins produce analgesia by binding to opioid receptors and inhibiting the release of substance P. Substance P is a crucial protein involved in the transmission of pain signals. By blocking its release, β-endorphins effectively reduce the perception of pain. Within the central nervous system, β-endorphins also bind to opioid receptors, but their mechanism of action differs. Instead of inhibiting substance P, they exert their analges...

Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia, which is a condition characterized by chronic pain, muscle stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, depression, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach pain, bloating, low mood, poor concentration, and memory problems. Although fibromyalgia can affect people of different ages, it is most commonly found in middle-aged women, and treating this condition can be challenging. Acupuncture is a treatment method that has been used to address various medical conditions, particularly chronic pain. Research indicates that acupuncture's analgesic effect on the central nervous system, achieved by stimulating nerve fibers and producing an activation in the cascade of pain-modulating endorphins, serotonin, and noradrenaline, may contribute to its effectiveness in treating fibromyalgia. For example, a recent research paper summarized 20 studies, including a total of 1497 participants, with most of them being women, that inves...