P02.116. The relationship between deqi and the effect of acupuncture

Abstract

There is an experimental study that suggests deep needling with rotation produces higher acupuncture needling sensation than superficial needling with mock rotation. Also, there are opposing results about the relationship between acupuncture needling sensation and analgesic effect. In this study, we intend to investigate the relationship between acupuncture needling sensation and analgesic effect according to acupuncture stimulation.

Are Physiological Changes Experienced by Healthy Subjects during Acu-Tens Associated with Acupuncture Point Sensations?

“…3 Previous studies have shown that de qi sensation is associated with regulation of blood flow, [34][35][36][37][38] changes in neuronal activity in different areas of the brain, [39][40][41] changes in ANS activities [42][43][44][45][46][47][48] and an increase in pain threshold. 49 A survey conducted by the British Acupuncture Council on 574 members revealed that 87% of acupuncturists would aim to attain de qi during acupuncture. 50 Our previous work demonstrated that needle electroacupuncture to LI4 and LI11 increases sympathetic discharge, which was strongly associated with acupuncture point sensations.…”

Acupuncture De-qi: From Characterization to Underlying Mechanism

“…Deep, dull, heavy, spreading, and electric shock sensations occurred when the needle was inserted 2–15 mm beyond the first perimuscular fascia. In a study that measures participants' De-qi sensation and pain threshold by comparing superficial needling and deep needling with and without rotation on SP6, SP9, ST36, and GB39, Choi et al [25] found that deep needling with bi-directional rotation had a marked effect in increasing both De-qi sensation and pain threshold, which is better than that of deep needling without rotation or superficial needling. Therefore, the depth of needling and the rotation manipulation have a cooperative effect in generating De-qi sensation and curative effects.…”