Ultrasonography in Acupuncture—Uses in Education and Research

Abstract

This study aims to explore the potential use of ultrasound in locating the second posterior sacral foramen acupuncture point, quantifying depth of insertion and describing surrounding anatomical structures. We performed acupuncture needle insertion on a study team member. There were four steps in our experiment. First, the acupuncturist located the acupuncture point by palpation. Second, we used an ultrasound machine to visualize the structures surrounding the location of the acupuncture point and measure the depth required for needle insertion. Third, the acupuncturist inserted the acupuncture needle into the acupuncture point at an angle of 30°. Fourth, we performed another ultrasound scan to ensure that the needle was in the desired location. Results suggested that ultrasound could be used to locate the acupuncture point and estimate the depth of needle insertion. The needle was inserted to a depth of 4.0 cm to reach the surface of the sacral foramen. Based on Pythagoras theorem, taking a needle insertion angle of 30° and a needle insertion depth of 4.0 cm, the estimated perpendicular depth is 1.8 cm. An ultrasound scan corroborated the depth of 1.85 cm. The use of an ultrasound-guided technique for needle insertion in acupuncture practice could help standardize the treatment. Clinicians and students would be able to visualize and measure the depth of the sacral foramen acupuncture point, to guide the depth of needle insertion. This methodological guide could also be used to create a standard treatment protocol for research. A similar mathematical guide could also be created for other acupuncture points in future.

Operation Stability Analysis of Basic Acupuncture Manipulation Based on Three-Dimensional Motion Tracking Data

“…Throughout the current research progress, several kinematic and kinetic measurement technologies, including mechanical motion-electrical signal conversion [13], mechanical sensing [14], motion tracking [15], and ultrasonography [16,17], have been applied to the quantitative study of AM. A large amount of kinematic and dynamic data, such as coordinate, velocity, acceleration, and force, has been obtained.…”

Ultrasound-Guided Electroacupuncture for Thoracic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Case Report

“…Regarding the use of ultrasound in guiding acupuncture needles, Leow et al described the use of ultrasound on a volunteer team member by inserting a needle after mapping the site (no real-time ultrasound treatment was used). They highlighted the potential usefulness of ultrasound in acupuncture and as a model to standardize treatments [ 13 ].…”

An Observational Study on the Anatomical Characteristics of Acupoint CV23 (Lianquan) with Ultrasonography

“…Ultrasound is actively applied for safe and effective acupuncture treatment, and education and training of acupuncture [1,2]. The use of ultrasound during acupuncture has the advantage of preventing damages to vulnerable structures in close proximity to the acupoints and enables precise stimulation for the target structure.…”

“…The use of ultrasound during acupuncture has the advantage of preventing damages to vulnerable structures in close proximity to the acupoints and enables precise stimulation for the target structure. In addition, the use of ultrasound facilitates rapid improvement in acupuncture skills in practitioners early on in their acupuncture training, through real-time visualization of anatomical structures [2].…”