Observation on relation of acupuncture at Guangming (GB 37) and Taichong (LR 3) with central nervous reaction / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe relative effects of acupuncture at Guangming (GB 37) and Taichong (LR 3) in central different regions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nineteen healthy volunteers were randomly divided into 3 groups group I (n=7) received visual stimulation and acupuncture at one side; group II (n=6) received visual stimulation and acupuncture at both sides; and group III (n=6) received acupuncture at both sides. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to investigate reactions of the different visual cortexes and relative cerebral regions in acupuncture at Guangming (GB 37) and Taichong (LR 3).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant change in blood oxygen saturation levels in the visual cortex at visual stimulation and insertion of the needle, but there were changes in blood oxygen saturation level in relative cerebral regions when continuous stimulation was given to one-side or both sides.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at one-side or both sides can improve blood oxygen saturation level in relative cerebral regions, which is not related with manipulation method and visual stimulation.</p>