Acupuncture Sensation during Ultrasound Guided Acupuncture Needling

Abstract

Background Although acupuncture sensation (also known as de qi) is a cornerstone of traditional acupuncture therapy, most research has accepted the traditional method of defining acupuncture sensation only through subjective patient reports rather than on any quantifiable physiological basis. Purpose To preliminarily investigate the frequency of key sensations experienced while needling to specific, quantifiable tissue levels (TLs) guided by ultrasound (US) imaging. Methods Five participants received needling at two acupuncture points and two control points at four TLs. US scans were used to determine when each TL was reached. Each volunteer completed 32 sets of modified Southampton Needle Sensation Questionnaires. Part one of the study tested sensations experienced at each TL and part two compared the effect of oscillation alone versus oscillation + rotation. Results In all volunteers, the frequency of pricking, sharp sensations was significantly greater in shallower TLs than deeper (p=0.007); the frequency of sensations described as deep, dull and heavy, as spreading, and as electric shocks was significantly greater in deeper TLs than shallower (p=0.002). Sensations experienced did not significantly differ between real and control points within each of three TLs (p>0.05) except TL 4 (p=0.006). The introduction of needle rotation significantly increased deep, dull, heavy sensations, but not pricking and sharp sensations; within each level, the spectrum of sensation experienced during both oscillation + rotation and oscillation alone did not significantly differ between acupuncture and control points. Conclusion The preliminary study indicates a strong connection between acupuncture sensation and both tissue depth and needle rotation. Furthermore, the new methodology has been proven feasible. A further study with an objective measurement is warranted.

Measuring the Thickness of the Abdominal Wall at Abdominal Acupoints Using Ultrasonography and Analyzing Correlations with Physical Examination Values in Functional Dyspepsia Patients

“…Deeper insertion also induced more dull sensations as compared to shallow insertions which induced more sharp sensations. In addition, needle rotation significantly increased the dull sensations [99]. Lu and Tang confirmed the various needling depths ranged from 2-12 mm as documented in Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot) used for treating irritable bowel syndrome of diarrhea [101].…”

Is Deqi an Indicator of Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture? A Systematic Review

“…Findings of the researches in [4–32, 51–61] exploring the mechanism of acupuncture Deqi sensation in healthy human subjects were summarized in Tables 1, 2, and 3.…”

A Longitudinal Study of the Reliability of Acupuncture Deqi Sensations in Knee Osteoarthritis

“…One category of sensations we observed includes those sensations related to localized deep pressure. Sensations such as heaviness, fullness/distension, dull pain and cold are common traditional Chinese acupuncture sensations and have previously been reported in relation to deep tissue stimulation [40]. The other category of sensations identified by the PCA includes those sensations related to “spreading sensations” (such as tingling and throbbing).…”