Increased Plasma β-Endorphin Concentrations after Acupuncture: Comparison of Electroacupuncture, Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, Tens and Placebo Tens

Seventeen patients with pain from various causes were treated by Electroacupuncture (n=5), Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (n=4), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (n=4) or Placebo TENS (n=4). Each treatment lasted 25 minutes. Plasma β-endorphin concentrations were measured before and after the session. Electroacupuncture and Traditional acupuncture treatments were both associated with a significant rise in plasma β-endorphin levels.