From single-target mechanisms to multi-target network regulation: Mechanisms of acupuncture in migraine

Abstract

Acupuncture has unique advantages in regulating neurotransmitters, improving vascular function, and inhibiting inflammatory responses. However, most of these studies have been limited to the independent validation of a single target or pathway and have not yet clarified the synergistic relationships among various targets as a whole. Therefore, this study integrated existing research results to construct a multi-dimensional regulatory network for acupuncture in the treatment of migraine. Acupuncture intervention achieves analgesia through multiple targets, including the regulation of neurotransmitters, correction of vascular dilation and contraction functions, inhibition of neuroimmune inflammation, restoration of central pain regulation, and balance of endocrine levels. However, these targets are not independent of each other. Disruptions in the neurotransmitter balance can trigger abnormal vascular contraction and activate inflammatory responses, while the release of inflammatory factors can further sensitize pain transmission and disrupt endocrine balance, forming a pathological vicious cycle. Acupuncture achieves synergistic analgesia through the coordinated intervention of multiple pathways, forming an interactive regulatory network among the neural, vascular, immune, and endocrine systems, breaking the vicious cycle, and generating a synergistic analgesic effect. This multi-system, multi-targeted, coordinated regulation represents the core advantage of acupuncture’s holistic therapeutic approach.