ABSTRACT
Objective To establish the analyzing methods for functional MR images, and investigate the effects of electroacupuncture stimulation to human brain function. Methods Electroacupuncture stimulation was performed at Guangming (GB37) and Waiguan (SJ5) acupoints in 5 healthy subjects, who had been scanned with Sonata 1.5T MRI (Siemens). Brain activity was measured with Statistical Parameter Mapping (SPM) software. Results Electroacupuncture stimulation of Guangming (GB37) and Waiguan (SJ5) acupoints produced prominent increases of fMRI signals in visual cortex and inferior parietal lobule. Conclusion Electroacupuncture stimulation of multiple acupoints can activate the specific areas of brain cortices. The fMRI technique and SPM analysis are powerful new tools to study the mechanism of electroacupuncture stimulation.