Effect of Acupuncture Stimulation of GV 20 Point on Electroencephalogram

Abstract

Objective: This single-blind, randomized study aimed to evaluate effects of acupuncture stimulation at the GV 20 point on the electroencephalogram (EEG). Methods: Data was collected from 17 volunteers, aged 18-25 years old. EEG recordings were obtained before and after verum acupuncture and after a one-week interval EEG recording was also obtained before and after sham acupuncture. Spectral analysis of the EEG data was compared to baseline EEG. Results: Compared to baseline, there was an increase in the alpha band power at the T4 and T5 electrodes (p < 0.05) and a decrease in the beta band power at the T4, T6, and A2 electrodes following verum acupuncture. However, comparison of the data recorded before and after sham acupuncture revealed no significant differences. Conclusions: We claim that verum acupuncture stimulation at the GV 20 point has an effect on brain activity, which might be due to the known "mood modifying, relaxation effect" at that point.

Acupuncture Practices and Brain Waves

“…The study of Chen et al [14] determined that effects of acupuncture were specific to EEG bands. 124-ch EEG data were used to analyze for brain wave.…”