Quantification of the parameters of twisting–rotating acupuncture manipulation using a needle force measurement system

Abstract

BackgroundTo date, much research has been conducted to measure needle manipulation quantitatively and objectively. This study was performed to quantitatively measure the differences in the amount of stimulation caused by various rotation frequencies and angles in twisting–rotating acupuncture needle manipulation.MethodsThe torque Z force exerted on a tissue was measured at various rotation frequencies and angles by rotating a needle with a needle force measurement system attached to a needle insertion tissue model.ResultsThe results show that with rotation frequency at 60°, the torque Z force increased significantly from 0.023 N mm to 0.118 N mm as the rotation angle increased (p < 0.05). In addition, the torque Z force was significantly increased from 0.082 N mm to 0.292 N mm when the rotation angle increased from 60° to 180° at 0.15 Hz. (p < 0.05). A strong linear positive relationship between the torque Z force and rotation angle or frequency was obtained [Pearson correlation coefficient (r) > 0.88; p < 0.001].ConclusionThe change in needle–tissue interaction force by rotating angles showed a tendency to be higher than those by rotation frequency. Further quantitative research on various manipulations will be required for a standardized education on manipulation and stimulation as well as on needle model development to become possible.

Double-blind acupuncture needles: a multi-needle, multi-session randomized feasibility study

“…Therefore, for the first four participants, the first acupuncturist (principal investigator) gently rotated all needles in a counter-clockwise direction at 15 and 30 min, and just before needle removal at 45 min after insertion. This twisting-rotating (one-way rotation) technique is commonly used in Chinese style acupuncture to induce the needling ( de qi ) sensation which is considered to be therapeutic and to stimulate the transmission of the energy ( qi ) through the acupuncture channels [ 14 , 15 ]. We increased the needle retention time to 45 min to compensate for gentler needle rotation (thus less stimulation of the qi and transmission through the acupuncture channel), so a therapeutic effect could still be achieved.…”

Stimulation Parameters of Manual Acupuncture and Their Measurement

“…The “Acupuncture Manipulation Metrology” proposed by Shi [31] has defined four major stimulation elements (parameters) of MA, including force direction, force magnitude, manipulation time, and time interval between treatments, some recommended combinations of treatment elements were also provided for clinical practice. Due to the different movement characteristics, some scholars regarded that the main stimulation parameters for the lifting-thrusting method and twirling method are “insertion depth, frequency, and duration” [32] and “rotation angle, frequency, and duration” [33, 34, respectively. In terms of the force parameters, Fangjie et al [35] proposed 3 types of force generated by the fingers operating the needle handle (lifting-thrusting force, twirling force, and swing force), which control the needle to make up-and-down, rotational, and swing motion accordingly.…”

Traditional Acupuncture Meets Modern Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Perspectives

“…Some efforts have been made to attempt to solve the problem. The force sensor (Nano-17 titanium) was attached to the acupuncture needle, and various rotation frequencies or lifting-thrusting movements were measured after acupuncture needle inserting in phantom tissue [64, 65]. While maybe it would be better to use the nanosensor which was connected to the tip of acupuncture needle; in that case, the real force and the amount of stimulation inside the tissue could be measured.…”