Written by over seventy scientists and clinicians worldwide from China, USA, Germany, Canada, Japan and other countries, this monograph, with nearly 450 figures and tables, covers a wide range of advanced progress in acupuncture research, from experimental research to clinical applications. In addition to exploring the histopathological basis for acupuncture and mathematical simulation of acupoint response to stimulation, initiation and transduction of acupuncture signals and cellular mechanisms during acupuncture effects as well as chemical and physical characteristics of moxibustion on acupoints are broadly discussed. The topics also include novel data on acupuncture effect with advanced imaging techniques, a unique understanding of meridian-viscera correlation, specific interactions between meridians and neurosensory organs within the system of homeostatic regulation and the acupuncture-induced influences on autonomic function. Several chapters introduce specific approaches with dryneedling, silver needling and stainless needling for certain diseases, such as myofascitis, supportive care for breast cancer and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy as well as perioperative care of surgical patients. Moreover, this book discusses recent research on acupuncture therapy and potential mechanisms for a number of severe and refractory neurological disorders, including hyperactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, orofacial pain, chronic pain, itch, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, depressive disorders, Alzheimer's disease and ischemic brain injury. The vast amount of information offered in this book provides a comprehensive perspective on advanced acupuncture research to not only acupuncturists, but also to neuroscientists, neurologists, and other clinicians. For medical students and graduate and undergraduate students majoring in biology, physiology and neuroscience, this book offers an advanced course in learning about the mechanism-driven advances in alternative and complementary medicine.

Histopathological Basis for Acupuncture.- Current Advances in Mathematical Models of Initial Response to Mechanical Stimulation at Acupoint.- Signal Transduction in Acupoints.- Cellular Mechanisms in Acupuncture Effects.- Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Moxibustion.- Imaging of Acupuncture's Effects: From Bedside to Bench.- Meridians - Neurosensory Organs within the System of Homeostatic Regulation.- Meridian-Viscera Correlationship: Theory and Mechanism of the Heart Meridian-Heart-Brain Interactions.- Autonomic Function and Electroacupuncture.- Understanding of Myofasial Trigger Points: Acupuncture verses Dry Needling.- Current Research in Silver Needle Acupuncture for Myofascitis.- Acupuncture in Supportive Care for Breast Cancer Survivors.- Alternative Therapies for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.- Acupuncture and Related Techniques for Perioperative Care of Surgical Patients.- Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Axis: A Bridge between acupuncture and diseases.- Neurobiological Mechanism of Acupuncture Analgesia in Chronic Somatic Pain.- Analgesic Effects of Acupuncture on Orofacial Pain.- Itch and the Antipruritic Effect of Acupuncture.- Acupuncture for Autism Spectrum Disorders.- Acupuncture Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis.- The Clinical and Experimental Study on Acupuncture for Children with Cerebral Palsy.- Beneficial Effect of Acupuncture on Depressive Disorders.- Acupuncture and Alzheimer's Disease.- Acupuncture Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease.- Electroacupuncture against Ischemic Brain Injury: Efficacy, optimal conditions and Mechanisms.