It is thought that acupuncture relieves pain by
A) blocking the pain signals in the spinal cord.
B) altering the brain's perception of pain.
C) blocking pain signals to the brain.
D) activating endogenous opioids and through the placebo effect.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acupuncture is thought to relieve pain through the activation of endogenous opioids and the placebo effect. Research has indicated that the release of endogenous opioids, such as beta-endorphins, occurs during acupuncture therapy, which can contribute to pain relief. Additionally, the placebo effect may play a role in acupuncture's effectiveness. Studies have shown that even sham acupuncture, where needles are not inserted at traditional acupuncture points, can still lead to pain relief if the patient believes they are receiving actual acupuncture.

It Is Thought That Acupuncture Relieves Pain by