Could new science explain acupuncture?

I recently listened to a RadioLab episode called “The Interstitium” which got me very excited. This episode dealt with a structure which scientists only named in 2018 and which might offer one way to explain the impact acupuncture has on the body. 

The tissue being studied was the connective tissue which surrounds all of our organs, muscles and tissues. In the past the connective tissue had always been studied by looking at desiccated samples, but in this study scientists used an endoscope which allowed them to study LIVING tissue. When they did, they observed that the connective tissue is a fluid-filled spongy structure that creates a honeycombed network throughout the body, and they named it the 'interstitium'. 

The RadioLab episode describes how scientists are starting to explore whether this interstitium might be a 'highway' along which information can be shared in the body and raised the question whether this is how stimulation at acupuncture points could impact the entire body. It got me excited because in Chinese Medicine one of the meridian systems is the 'San Jiao' or 'Three Burner' system. It is responsible for transporting fluid and heat throughout the body and coordinates the smooth communication between all organs and meridians. Could the interstitium be the western explanation for the concept of the San Jiao? 

I have long thought that western science just hadn't developed precise enough tools yet to study the pathways along which acupuncture points are located. Maybe the advancement in endoscope technology will help us bridge the gap between ancient Chinese medicine knowledge and western science.

I hope you enjoy the podcast!