Modulation of immune responses by acupuncture at Jing-Well points in neurological disorders: exploring mechanisms and clinical applications in the era of modern electrophysiology.

Abstract

Background: Neurological disorders are increasingly recognized as complex conditions involving extensive neuroimmune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, autonomic imbalance, and progressive neuronal injury. Emerging evidence suggests that acupuncture, including stimulation at Jing-Well points, may exert immunomodulatory and neuromodulatory effects through interactions with peripheral sensory pathways, autonomic networks, inflammatory signaling cascades, and central nervous system electrophysiology. Recent advances in neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and molecular neuroscience have provided important mechanistic insights into the therapeutic potential of acupuncture in neurological diseases.

Objective: This review aims to comprehensively explore the mechanisms by which acupuncture at Jing-Well points modulates immune responses in neurological disorders, with particular emphasis on neuroimmune interactions, electrophysiological mechanisms, and contemporary clinical applications.

Methods: A narrative review of the current literature was conducted using evidence derived from experimental studies, clinical investigations, neuroimaging analyses, electrophysiological studies, and systematic reviews indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Relevant studies evaluating acupuncture-mediated immune regulation, autonomic modulation, neuroinflammation, electrophysiological alterations, and neurological rehabilitation were critically analyzed and synthesized.

Results: Available direct evidence regarding Jing-Well point stimulation remains limited. However, findings from broader acupuncture and electroacupuncture research suggest potentially relevant neuroimmune, autonomic, anti-inflammatory, and electrophysiological effects, including modulation of cytokine signaling, glial activation, oxidative stress, autonomic balance, cortical excitability, and neural connectivity. The extent to which these effects are specific to Jing-Well point stimulation remains to be established.

Conclusion: Jing-Well point acupuncture may represent a potentially useful adjunctive neuromodulatory approach in neurological disorders. Current evidence, derived predominantly from broader acupuncture and electroacupuncture research, supports the biological plausibility of anti-inflammatory, autonomic, neuroprotective, and electrophysiological effects; however, Jing-Well-specific mechanisms and clinical benefits have not yet been firmly established. Standardized multicenter studies integrating molecular biomarkers, electrophysiological monitoring, neuroimaging, and clinically meaningful outcomes are required.