Bidirectional regulation is one of the key function of acupuncture. The stimulator, mediator and receptor are the basis while the specificity of acupoints and the multi-target regulation of receptors receiving stimulation signals are the essential link of the bidirectional regulation of acupuncture. The possible mechanisms of bidirectional regulation of acupuncture are discussed in 4 aspects, i.e. homeostasis mechanism, stress reaction, central adaptive regulation and autonomic nerve regulation. Knowing the limitations of bidirectional regulation and exploring suitable researchmethods are proposed to be the key points in future researches.
双向调节效应是针刺的核心作用之一，刺激原、介质与受体是针刺双向调节效应的基础，穴位特性与接收刺激信号的受体的多靶点调节是针刺双向调节效应的重要环节。从自稳态机制、应激反应、中枢适应性调节、自主神经调节4个方面探讨针刺双向调节效应的可能机制，提出认识双向调节作用的局限性、探索适宜的研究方法是今后研究的重点。.
Keywords: acupuncture; autonomic nerve regulation; bidirectional regulation; central adaptive regulation; homeostasis mechanism; stress reaction.