Contralateral acupuncture, a technique to be explored. Considerations on its neurophysiological mechanism

Abstract

In this article, a selective and critical study of the contralateral acupuncture technique was conducted. Integrating essential information from a perspective of scientific evidence, which proposes an understanding of the neurophysiological mechanism of its action. Contralateral acupuncture proposes to puncture the side opposite to the diseased side of the patient.

In our review of the literature, the articles showed that the technique is able to stimulate brain regions involved in the pain process, such as the cingulate cortex and the cerebellum. Decrease the pattern of pain and provide an increase in the range of motion of the affected region.

In addition, an important observation is that there are no scientific studies that relate this technique to orofacial pain or to Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), except for one dissertation work.

As a conclusion, it was possible to observe that this therapeutic tool has the capacity to act at a distance from the affected area, it is possible to puncture the healthy side of the individual and obtain therapeutic results on the affected side. Avoiding the spread of a possible infection and reassuring the patient that they do not have to endure being punctured in an already painful region. A useful technique that requires more dissemination and research.