The paper reviewed the relevant studies on dyspnea treated with acupuncture over the past 20 years

as well as the underlying neuroendocrine mechanism from the perspective of central and peripheral vagus nerves

neurotransmitter

respiratory muscle function and anti-depression-anxiety function. It revealed that the central response area was regulated by acupuncture in treatment of dyspnea

which is similar to the area affected in acupuncture analgesia. Additionally

acupuncture generates its therapeutic effects on dyspnea through promoting the release of endogenous opioid peptides and the regulation of autonomic nerve

amygdale and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.