Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

participate in the “hook-swinging” ritual to celebrate the power of the gods have 
steel hooks embedded under the skin and muscles of their backs. During the ritual, 
they swing from a pole, suspended by the hooks. What would seem likely to 
induce excruciating pain instead produces a state of celebration and near euphoria. 
In fact, when the hooks are later removed, the wounds heal quickly, and after two 
weeks almost no visible marks remain (Kosambi, 1967; Melzack & Katz, 2001). 
Gate-control theory suggests that the lack of pain is due to a message from the 
participant’s brain, which shuts down the pain pathways. Gate-control theory also 
may explain the effectiveness of acupuncture , an ancient Chinese technique in which 
sharp needles are inserted into various parts of the body. The sensation from the 
needles may close the gateway to the brain, reducing the experience of pain. It is 
also possible that the body’s own painkillers—called endorphins—as well as positive 
and negative emotions, play a role in opening and closing the gate (Cabioglu, Ergene, 
& Tan, 2007; Fee et al., 2002; Witt, Jena, & Brinkhaus, 2006). 
Although the basic ideas behind gate-control theory have been supported by 
research, other processes are involved in the perception of pain. For instance, it 
appears that there are multiple neural pathways involved in the experience of pain. 
Furthermore, it is clear that the suppression of pain can occur through the natural 
release of endorphins and other compounds that produce a reduction of discomfort 
and a sense of well-being (Grahek, 2007).
gate-control theory of pain
The 
theory that particular nerve receptors 
in the spinal cord lead to specifi c areas 
of the brain related to pain.
The ancient practice of acupuncture is still used in the 21st century. 
How does the gate-control theory of pain explain how acupuncture 
works?
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