title: Biological significance of piezoelectricity in relation to acupuncture, Hatha Yoga, osteopathic medicine and action of air ions.
abstract: Piezoelectric properties of biological macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids and mucopolysaccharides are reviewed in this paper. It is indicated that the structural elements of the human body composed of these piezoelectric substances are capable of transducing a mechanical energy into an electric current. Such a transduction may be brought about by movements of an acupuncture needle, osteopathic manipulations; Hatha Yoga postures or action of negatively charged air irons. It is postulated that electric current induced by stimulation of the specific sites on the surface of human body flows towards the internal organs along the semiconductive channels of biologic macromolecules. Electric current induced either by the piezoelectric transduction or directly applied from an external source may in turn stimulate individual cells in the target organ. Involvement of electrical phenomena in regulatory mechanisms on cellular and molecular levels is discussed.
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000390:Air Ionization; D004560:Electricity; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008349:Manipulation, Orthopedic; D010021:Osteopathic Medicine; D015013:Yoga