Background: It has been known for thousands of years that humans have meridian lines. Objective: To understand the effects of induction of Qi by acupuncture in the meridians. Design, Setting, and Patients: The study was performed in 56 healthy volunteers who were randomly selected from the university population at Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Taiwan. Blood flow at the acupoints of Lieque (LU 7) and Chize (LU 5) of the right hand, or a nonacupuncture point chosen freely near LU 5, was recorded. Intervention: Acupuncture stimulation of a human LU 7 point for about 15 seconds, until the De Qi sensation was achieved. Main Outcome Measure: Skin blood flow detected using a laser Doppler flowmeter. Results: When LU 7 was stimulated by acupuncture, the blood flow was increased after the De Qi sensation; as long as the participant was getting the emergence of a strong De Qi feeling or feeling a flow of numbness to reach LU 5, there was a visible peak of upward LU 5 blood flow. Conclusions: This hot, numb feeling that developed within a few minutes after acupuncture was most likely caused by the circulation of tissue fluid inside the meridian.

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