Transkranielle Doppler-Sonographie - Robotergesteuerte Sonden zur Quantifizierung des Einflusses der Akupunktur - Transcranial Doppler Sonography - Robotic Probes for the Quantification of Acupuncture
Abstract:Transcranial Doppler Sonography (TCD) monitoring was carried out in 12 healthy subjects (mean age: 35.2 +/- 4.4 years; range: 26-41 years; 4 women, 8 men), prior to, during and following acupuncture. In all subjects an identical acupuncture scheme with a "general increase in Qi energy" setting was employed. Measurements were obtained with new robotic TCD probes enabling three-dimensional imaging of the middle cerebral artery by the use of the multi-scan technique. The results showed a significant (p < 0.01; AN… Show more
“…In conclusion, we note that thermographic methods such as infrared cameras at wavelength ranges of 2 – 5 μm and 7.5 – 13 μm and other High-Tech methods [8-16,18-25] are effective complementary methods in acupuncture research which support demystification of this treatment method. However, the validity of the method for proving meridian structures according to the view of Traditional Chinese Medicine, must be considered critically and analysed scientifically.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 65%
“…In addition to the first two stimulation methods without actual skin contact, a further standardized acupuncture scheme was used, from which we know it induces proven, reproducible effects in the brain [8-10]. Following acupoints were stimulated with manual needle and laserneedle acupuncture: Neiguan (Pe.6), Qihai (Ren 6), Zusanli (St.36) and Sanyinjiao (Sp.6) [8].…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Following acupoints were stimulated with manual needle and laserneedle acupuncture: Neiguan (Pe.6), Qihai (Ren 6), Zusanli (St.36) and Sanyinjiao (Sp.6) [8]. Additional moxibustion was performed at acupoint Qihai [8]. …”
BackgroundAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the vital energy flows through a system of channels also called meridians. Generally accepted proof for meridians cannot be considered as being given. Goal of this study was to examine whether possible stimulation-induced meridian-like structures, as recently described by other authors, can be visualized and objectified simultaneously at different infrared wavelength ranges.MethodsThe study analyses evidence for the existence of acupuncture-specific, meridian-like artifacts in 6 healthy volunteers (mean age ± SD 28.7 ± 3.7 years; range 25 – 35 years). Two infrared cameras at different wavelength ranges were used for thermographic control of possible stimulation effects (moxibustion-cigar, infrared warmth stimulation, needle and laserneedle stimulation). In addition to thermography, temperature and microcirculatory parameters were registered at a selected point using laser-Doppler flowmetry.Results and ConclusionAfter moxibustion (or infrared light stimulation) of the body at 2 – 5 μm and 7.5 – 13 μm ranges, different structures appear on thermographic images of the human body which are technical artifacts and which are not identical to what are known as meridians in all textbooks of TCM. Further scientific studies are required regarding the possible visualization of meridians.
“…In conclusion, we note that thermographic methods such as infrared cameras at wavelength ranges of 2 – 5 μm and 7.5 – 13 μm and other High-Tech methods [8-16,18-25] are effective complementary methods in acupuncture research which support demystification of this treatment method. However, the validity of the method for proving meridian structures according to the view of Traditional Chinese Medicine, must be considered critically and analysed scientifically.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 65%
“…In addition to the first two stimulation methods without actual skin contact, a further standardized acupuncture scheme was used, from which we know it induces proven, reproducible effects in the brain [8-10]. Following acupoints were stimulated with manual needle and laserneedle acupuncture: Neiguan (Pe.6), Qihai (Ren 6), Zusanli (St.36) and Sanyinjiao (Sp.6) [8].…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Following acupoints were stimulated with manual needle and laserneedle acupuncture: Neiguan (Pe.6), Qihai (Ren 6), Zusanli (St.36) and Sanyinjiao (Sp.6) [8]. Additional moxibustion was performed at acupoint Qihai [8]. …”
BackgroundAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the vital energy flows through a system of channels also called meridians. Generally accepted proof for meridians cannot be considered as being given. Goal of this study was to examine whether possible stimulation-induced meridian-like structures, as recently described by other authors, can be visualized and objectified simultaneously at different infrared wavelength ranges.MethodsThe study analyses evidence for the existence of acupuncture-specific, meridian-like artifacts in 6 healthy volunteers (mean age ± SD 28.7 ± 3.7 years; range 25 – 35 years). Two infrared cameras at different wavelength ranges were used for thermographic control of possible stimulation effects (moxibustion-cigar, infrared warmth stimulation, needle and laserneedle stimulation). In addition to thermography, temperature and microcirculatory parameters were registered at a selected point using laser-Doppler flowmetry.Results and ConclusionAfter moxibustion (or infrared light stimulation) of the body at 2 – 5 μm and 7.5 – 13 μm ranges, different structures appear on thermographic images of the human body which are technical artifacts and which are not identical to what are known as meridians in all textbooks of TCM. Further scientific studies are required regarding the possible visualization of meridians.
“…It is also interesting that the flow velocities during the control period after acupuncture yield higher values than prior to investigation (17,19–21). …”
“…3. Figure 4 shows a typical result of a significant increase of mean blood flow velocity in the MCA during manual needle acupuncture stimulation (17, 20, 21). Figure 3.The acupuncture pattern consisted of points that—according to TCM—lead to a general increase of Qi energy in the brain.…”
The assessment of acupuncture-induced effects on brain function is crucial. Ultrasound-assisted brain function monitoring and bioelectrical methods as well as near infrared spectroscopic procedures and functional magnetic resonance investigations form the basis for the latest scientific examination methods for acupuncture research. The laserneedle acupuncture, which was examined scientifically for the first time in Graz, represents a new painless and non-invasive acupuncture method. In this way, individual combinations of acupuncture points can be stimulated simultaneously according to traditional Chinese medicine. In the context of double-blind studies, effects in the brain could be demonstrated in a reproducible manner for the first time. This second part of the short review article summarizes some of the centrally measured effects of acupuncture obtained at the Medical University of Graz within the last 10 years.
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