A fMRI Comparative Studyof the Correlation of Left and Right Points Houxi(SI3)with Activated Brain Function Areas / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between electro-acupunctured point Houxi(SI3)and activated brain function areas, contrast the images produced with electroacupuncture at left and right points Houxi and make a comparison with electroacupuncture at point Hegu(LI4)in patients with peripheral facial paralysis.MethodPatients with peripheral facial paralysis, six on the left side and six on the right side, were enrolled as subjects. A scan of the whole brain was taken using fMRI during electroacupuncture stimulation. The images were processed using SPM software. An analysis using at-test (P<0.01) showed differences in brain functional images produced with electroacupuncture at different points.ResultElectroacupuncture at left point Houxi increased the signals of brain regions: rightcaudate nucleus, right cingulate gyrus, right parahippocampal gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, the brainstem and the cerebellar vermis. Electroacupuncture at right point Houxi increased the signals of brain regions: right medial frontal gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus, left anterior cingulate gyrus, rightcingulate gyrus and right superior temporal gyrus.ConclusionThere is a difference in the image between electroacupuncture at point Houxi and at point Hegu or Dicang(ST4). There is also a larger difference in the image between bilateral points Houxi. The brain regions with high-frequency or low-frequency signals are not consistent. The results further prove the scientificalness of “Point Hegu is indicated for diseasesin the face and mouth” and also show that the cognominal acupoints on the two sides ofthe human body may have some differences, e.g. the conduction pathways are not completely the same and the therapeutic effects are not completely consistent.