Introduction
Endorphins are peptides that act as neurotransmitters, and belong to the endogenous opiod system. The term “endorphin” is a compound of “endogenous” and “morphine”, referring to a chemical that is naturally produced within the body and that demonstrates effects similar to morphine, in terms of producing analgesia and feelings of well-being. Endorphin production can be stimulated through excitement, pain, exercise, love and orgasm, or even eating spicy foods.
Actions
Endorphins main functions are exemplified by the “runner’s high”. Through strenuous exercise, the body pushes us to produce endorphins, increasing the “reward” sensation and diminishing pain and suffering. This process allows us to push through pain due to exertion, letting the body work harder. At the same time, repetitive stimulation of the “reward system” in the brain can lead to an effect similar to addiction. Other bio-chemicals involved in “runner’s high” response include serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and endocannibinoids.
Endorphins play a role in inhibiting GABA and dis-inhibiting dopamine. GABA, like endorphin, is a neurotransmitter, but rather than creating an analgesic effect, it plays an inhibitory role in neuronal synapses. Endorphins diminish GABA’s ability to reduce neuronal excitability, effectively reducing the amount of other neurotransmitters necessary to propagate a signal through the synapse. At the same time, the endorphins allow an increased presence of dopamine, another neurotransmitter shown to be involved with a wide range of functions including cognition, movement, motivation, sleep, and mood.
Endorphins play an interesting role in pregnancy as well. After the third month of pregnancy, mother’s are receiving beta-endorphins from the placental tissues. It has been suggested that this plays a role in directing nutrient allocation from the mother to child, and could help explain postpartum emotional symptoms. Endorphins are also produced during breast feeding, and can be thought to reduce the mother’s “withdrawal” symptoms.
Acupuncture and Endorphins
Studies show acupuncture treatments can modulate endorphin levels in plasma and in cerebrospinal fluid.
Acupuncture’s capacity to modulate endorphin levels both in the blood and CNS are one way to help explain some of acupuncture’s broad effects in treating pain, mood imbalances, various women’s diseases, helping recovery after surgery, as well as respiratory, cardiac, and digestive disorders.