Focused Ultrasound PC-6 Stimulation Effects on Blood Flow Volume, Skin Temperature, and Coldness of the Finger and Toe

Abstract

Introduction: Focused ultrasound can stimulate a specific point of tissue and can be a noninvasive method for acupoint stimulation. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of acupoint stimulation by focused ultrasound on blood flow volume and coldness of the fingers and toes. Materials and Methods: Forty healthy volunteers were included in this experiment. The blood flow volume and the skin temperature of a finger and toe were measured before and after stimulation of the pericardium 6 acupuncture point (PC-6) by focused ultrasound. Subjective coldness of the fingers and toes was also assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) before and after stimulation. Results: The maximum blood flow volumes of the finger and toe were significantly larger (p < 0.01) than those before stimulation. The maximum skin surface temperatures of the fingers were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those before stimulation. The VAS scores for subjective coldness of the toes after stimulation were significantly higher (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The blood flow volume and skin temperature tended to increase after PC-6 stimulation. The VAS scores also indicated a tendency toward a warmer sensation in the toes after stimulation.

Ultrasound Acupuncture for Oxaliplatin‐induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study

“…With the emerging availability of better‐designed studies utilizing factorial experiments, or pragmatic or cluster randomized clinical trials to present a more rigorous discussion addressing the multi‐factorial and complexity of acupuncture, 40–42 more evidence suggests that different styles of acupuncture, for example, laser acupuncture, ultrasound acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and sham acupuncture induce different bioeffects on pain modulation 43–46 . For example, alterations of objective measures of blood flow volume and skin temperature in the fingers and toes were observed after ultrasound acupuncture in healthy participants 47 . A pilot study also indicated that there were significant differences across the deqi sensation ratings, sharp pain, anxiety and unpleasantness between ultrasound acupuncture and sham ultrasound acupuncture 12 .…”

“…[43][44][45][46] For example, alterations of objective measures of blood flow volume and skin temperature in the fingers and toes were observed after ultrasound acupuncture in healthy participants. 47 A pilot study also indicated that there were significant differences across the deqi sensation ratings, sharp pain, anxiety and unpleasantness between ultrasound acupuncture and sham ultrasound acupuncture. 12 It is possible that our evidence either overestimates or underestimates the effects of real ultrasound acupuncture, as we do not have a sham control in this study, but based on the evidence to date, placebo effect should not be considered as the only contributor to the therapeutic benefits.…”