Acupuncture in Regulating Immune Homeostasis: From Function to Mechanism

The innate immune system provides rapid and non-specific defense, whereas the adaptive immune system offers specific and long-lasting protection. Acupuncture achieves bidirectional regulation between immune activation and inhibition by modulating both innate and adaptive immunity.

Its mechanisms primarily involve activating the neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) network, coordinating complex interactions among these three systems to maintain immune homeostasis. From the perspective of the yin-yang balance theory in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture regulates the dynamic balance between immune activation (Yang) and inhibition (Yin), reflecting the principles of Yin-Yang opposition and interdependence.