The Phenomenon of Neuroplasticity in the Mechanisms of Reflexotherapy

Abstract

Reflexotherapy (acupuncture) is one of the most important and valuable part of mankind’s heritage. Reflexotherapy has a long history and was formed as a practical healing method. Reflexotherapy methods include: acupuncture (Chen); Chiu-method (cauterization or warming of acupuncture points by means of wormwood or coal cigars); multi-needle stimuli by a special hammer; vacuum effect on acupuncture points; acupressure; tsubo-therapy; and hirudotherapy. Modern modifications of reflexotherapy are applied: electroacupuncture, electropuncture, laser reflexotherapy, craniopuncture, magnetopuncture, cryotherapy, color and light therapy, and others. There are many theories about the mechanism of action of this method. The focus of the Kazan school is on the role of sensory interaction at different levels of the nervous system in the implementation of the relexotherapy effects. The reflex mechanism for the development of therapeutic effect is considered in this connection as part of a universal method of information processing — sensorimotor interaction. The therapeutic effects of reflexotherapy are realized through the formation of a local and background sensory flow, and their interaction at different levels of the nervous system. Afferent flow is processed at the peripheral, spinal-segmental, stem, subcortical levels, as well as at the level of the cortex. The realization of the positive effects of reflexotherapy occurs, including due to the phenomenon of neuroplasticity, which is implemented at the peripheral and central levels. Reflexotherapy methods can activate the phenomenon of brain neuroplasticity, leading to structural and functional changes that require further research in this direction.