Search JIM Advanced Search

Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine ›› 2009, Vol. 7 ›› Issue (6): 527-531.doi: 10.3736/jcim20090607

Special Issue: Acupuncture & Moxibustion

• Original Clinical Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Functional brain magnetic resonance imaging in healthy people receiving acupuncture at Waiguan versus Waiguan plus Yanglingquan points: A randomized controlled trial

 Yong Huanga,Tian-le Lia,Xin-sheng Laib,Yan-qi Zoua,Jun-xian Wua,Chun-zhi Tangb,Jun-jun Yangb   

  1. a School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China
    b Acupuncture and Massage College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China
  • Received:2008-12-22 Accepted:2009-03-31 Online:2009-06-20 Published:2009-06-15

Objective

To observe the cerebral activating effects of needling at Waiguan (SJ5) versus SJ5 plus Yanglingquan (GB34) points in young healthy volunteers based on the hypothesis of "needling effect of combined acupuncture points relates to the brain activation".
Methods

Sixteen healthy volunteers were randomly divided into SJ5 group and SJ5 plus GB34 group, and there were 8 volunteers in each group. The volunteers in the two groups received needling at corresponding points on the right hand or foot respectively. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1.5T, GE Corporation) was used for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the brain before and during the needling, and the obtained experimental data in the regional brain were processed and analyzed by the method of region of interest (ROI).
Results

The ROI activation induced by needling of SJ5 or SJ5 plus GB34 was all relatively concentrated (activation rate more than 4 or activation point more than 10) on bilateral frontal and parietal lobes. There were no significant differences in ROI activation rates of brain regions between the two groups. ROI activation points showed that needling at SJ5 could activate the right cerebellum specifically (P<0.05, vs SJ5 plus GB34), while needling at SJ5 plus GB34 could activate the left parietal and occipital lobes and bilateral basal ganglion more effectively than activate the other brain regions (P<0.05, vs SJ5). ROI activation strength showed that needling at SJ5 plus GB34 could more strongly activate the right cerebellum (P<0.05, vs SJ5).
Conclusion

Based on fMRI data, a kind of acupuncture point combination of SJ5 and GB34 within the hand-foot Shaoyang meridians, could improve the motor and sensory dysfunctions and equilibrium disturbance. The effect of combined acupuncture points was proved by cerebral activity initially.

Key words: Waiguan, Yanglingquan, Magnetic resonance imaging, Randomized controlled trial

Table 1

ROI activation rates in two groups[Cases (%)]"

ROI SJ5 (n=8) SJ5 plus GB34
(n=8)
ROI SJ5 (n=8) SJ5 plus GB34
(n=8)
Left frontal lobe 6 (75.00) 6 (75.00) Right frontal lobe 6 (75.00) 6 (75.00)
Left parietal lobe 6 (75.00) 7 (87.50) Right parietal lobe 6 (75.00) 7 (87.50)
Left temporal lobe 5 (62.50) 4 (50.00) Right temporal lobe 4 (50.00) 4 (50.00)
Left occipital lobe 4 (50.00) 5 (62.50) Right occipital lobe 4 (50.00) 3 (37.50)
Left insular lobe 1 (12.50) 0 (0.00) Right insular lobe 0 (0.00) 0 (0.00)
Left hippocampus 1 (12.50) 2 (25.00) Right hippocampus 1 (12.50) 0 (0.00)
Left parahippocampal gyrus 0 (0.00) 1 (12.50) Right parahippocampal gyrus 0 (0.00) 0 (0.00)
Left cingulate gyrus 3 (37.50) 4 (50.00) Right cingulate gyrus 2 (25.00) 0 (0.00)
Left basal ganglia 0 (0.00) 3 (37.50) Right ganglion 1 (12.50) 4 (50.00)
Left pons 1 (12.50) 0 (0.00) Right pons 2 (25.00) 1 (12.50)
Left cerebellum 5 (62.50) 4 (50.00) Right cerebellum 8 (100.00) 4 (50.00)

Table 2

ROI activation points in two groups"

ROI SJ5 (n=8) SJ5 plus GB34
(n=8)
ROI SJ5 (n=8) SJ5 plus GB34
(n=8)
Left frontal lobe 17 31 Right frontal lobe 23 25
Left parietal lobe 16 38* Right parietal lobe 11 16
Left temporal lobe 9 17 Right temporal lobe 10 13
Left occipital lobe 7 17* Right occipital lobe 7 8
Left insular lobe 1 0 Right insular lobe 0 0
Left hippocampus 1 3 Right hippocampus 1 0
Left parahippocampal gyrus 0 1 Right parahippocampal gyrus 0 0
Left cingulate gyrus 5 6 Right cingulate gyrus 4 0
Left basal ganglia 0 11* Right basal ganglia 1 9*
Left pons 1 0 Right pons 4 1
Left cerebellum 5 5 Right cerebellum 21 5*

Table 3

ROI activation strength in two groups(x±s)"

ROI SJ5 (n=8) SJ5 plus GB34
(n=8)
ROI SJ5 (n=8) SJ5 plus GB34
(n=8)
Left frontal lobe 3.38±2.47 5.04±3.87 Right frontal lobe 3.73±1.88 6.64±2.16
Left parietal lobe 3.97±2.16 4.96±1.85 Right parietal lobe 3.58±1.69 4.83±3.80
Left temporal lobe 2.68±2.02 4.13±3.86 Right temporal lobe 5.12±1.80 3.63±1.20
Left occipital lobe 3.60±2.54 4.97±3.22 Right occipital lobe 2.31±2.12 5.54±4.59
Left insular lobe 6.73±0.00 Right insular lobe
Left hippocampus 4.11±0.00 7.83±6.35 Right hippocampus 2.56±0.00
Left parahippocampal gyrus 3.53±0.00 Right parahippocampal gyrus
Left cingulate gyrus 5.01±2.38 6.50±2.16 Right cingulate gyrus 6.09±3.59
Left basal ganglia 6.18±4.59 Right basal ganglia 3.07±0.00 4.56±3.12
Left pons 5.34±0.00 Right pons 2.15±2.22 4.06±0.00
Left cerebellum 3.36±2.95 5.87±2.96 Right cerebellum 4.41±1.77 8.75±5.04*
[1] Zeng T . Clinical criterion of acupoint selection and combination in acupuncture and treatment of common diseases[J]. Zhongguo Shi Yong Yi Yao, 2007,2(20):78-79
曾涛 . 浅析针灸临床取穴配穴原则及常见病的治疗[J]. 中国实用医药, 2007,2(20):78-79
[2] Han H . Clinical cases on along-meridian acupoint selection[J]. Shanghai Zhen Jiu Za Zhi, 2007,26(5):35-36
韩慧 . 循经取穴临床举隅[J]. 上海针灸杂志, 2007,26(5):35-36
[3] Lai XS, Huang Y . A cerebral functional definition on the specificity of acupoints, needling sensation and association of acupoints based on the "acupoints-brain relation hypojournal"[J]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu, 2007,27(10):777-780
赖新生, 黄泳 . 经穴-脑相关假说指导下经穴特异性、针刺得气、配伍规律脑功能界定[J]. 中国针灸, 2007,27(10):777-780
[4] General 'Republic of China, Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China. Nomenclature and location of acupuncture points: National Standards of the People's Republic of China. 2006: 27, 31. Chinese.
中华人民共和国国家质量监督检疫检验总局, 中国国家标准化管理委员会 . 腧穴名称与定位: 中华人民共和国国家标准. 2006: 27, 31.
[5] Schaechter JD, Connell BD, Stason WB, Kaptchuk TJ, Krebs DE, Macklin EA, Schnyer RN, Stein J, Scarborough DM, Parker SW, McGibbon CA, Wayne PM .Correlated change in upper limb function and motor cortex activation after verum and sham acupuncture in patients with chronic stroke[J]. J Altern Complement Med, 2007,13(5):527-532
doi: 10.1089/acm.2007.6316
[6] Shi XM. Acupuncture and moxibustion[M]. Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine,2002: 86, 97
石学敏 . 针灸学[M]. 北京: 中国中医药出版社,2002: 86, 97
[7] Tang CM. Neuropsychology[M]. Beijing: People's Military Medical Press,2007: 47-101
汤慈美 . 神经心理学[M]. 北京: 人民军医出版社,2007: 47-101
[1] Chiung-Hui Huang, Mei-Ling Yeh, Fang-Pey Chen, Daphne Wu. Low-level laser acupuncture reduces postoperative pain and morphine consumption in older patients with total knee arthroplasty: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2022, 20(4): 321-328.
[2] Xiang-yu Wei, Shi-lei Luo, HuiChen, Shan-shan Liu, Zhi-gang Gong, Song-huaZhan. Functional connectivity changes during migraine treatment with electroacupuncture at Shuaigu (GB8). Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2022, 20(3): 237-243.
[3] Maryam Azimi, Hanieh Niayesh, Mahboobeh Raeiszadeh, Sedigheh Khodabandeh-shahraki. Efficacy of the herbal formula of Foeniculum vulgare and Rosa damascena on elderly patients with functional constipation: A double-blind randomized controlled tria. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2022, 20(3): 230-236.
[4] Ubiratan Cardinalli Adler, Maristela Schiabel Adler, Ana Elisa Madureira Padula, Livia Mitchiguian Hotta, Amarilysde Toledo Cesar, José Nelson Martins Diniz, Helen de Freitas Santos, Edson Zangiacomi Martinez. Homeopathy for COVID-19 in primary care: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (COVID-Simile study). Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2022, 20(3): 221-229.
[5] Xin Wang, Wen-juan Song, Yi Ruan, Bing-chu Li, Can Lü, Nian Huang, Fan-fu Fang, Wei Gu. Core muscle functional strength training for reducing the risk of low-back pain in military recruits: An open-label randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2022, 20(2): 145-152.
[6] Meng-zhu Zhao, Chen Zhao, Shuang-shuang Tu, Xu-xu Wei, Hong-cai Shang. Evaluating the methodology of studies conducted during the global COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021, 19(4): 317-326.
[7] Si-chun Gu, Jie Zhou, Qing Ye, Can-xing Yuan. Pingchan granule for depressive symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021, 19(2): 120-128.
[8] Jie Wu, Shu-wei Duan, Hong-tao Yang, Yue-yi Deng, Wei Li, Ya-ni He, Zhao-hui Ni, Yong-li Zhan, Shan Lin, Zhi-yong Guo, Jun Zhu, Jing-ai Fang, Xu-sheng Liu, Li-hua Wang, Rong Wang, Nian-song Wang, Xiao-hong Cheng, Li-qun He, Ping Luo, Shi-ren Sun s, Ji-feng Sun, Ai-ping Yin, Geng-ru Jiang, Hong-yu Chen, Wen-hu Liu, Hong-li Lin, Meng Liang, Lu Ma, Ming Chen, Li-qun Song, Jian Chen, Qing Zhu, Chang-ying Xing, Yun Li, Ji-ning Gao, Rong-shan Li, Ying Li, Hao Zhang, Ying Lu, Qiao-ling Zhou, Jun-zhou Fu, Qiang He, Guang-yan Cai, Xiang-mei Chen. Efficacy and safety of Shenyankangfu Tablet, a Chinese patent medicine, for primary glomerulonephritis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021, 19(2): 111-119.
[9] Xian Wang, Xuan Yin, Xiu-tian Guo, Yan Wang, Wen-qi Jin, Ai-jun Mao, Lixing Lao, Zhang-jin Zhang, Jie Zhang, Shi-fen Xu. Effects of the pestle needle therapy, a type of acupoint stimulation, on post-hemorrhoidectomy pain: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020, 18(6): 492-498.
[10] Sherman Gu, Arthur Yin Fan. Controversial conclusions from two randomized controlled trials for acupuncture's effects on polycystic ovary syndrome or in vitro fertilization support. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020, 18(2): 89-91.
[11] Gerli E.G. Herr, Fábio Goulart da Silva, Francisco José Cidral-Filho, Fabricia Petronilho, Lucinéia Gainski Danielski, Mariana Pereira de Souza Goldim, Afonso Shiguemi Inoue Salgado, Franciane Bobinski, Daniel Fernandes Martins, Eliane R. Winkelmann. Effects of the use of bioceramic wraps in patients with lower limb venous ulcers: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020, 18(1): 27-.
[12] Xin-yu Yue, Zhuo-qi Feng, Xi-yi Yu, Jia-min Hu, Xiao-Jing He, Shi Shu. Fire-needle acupuncture for upper limb spastic paralysis after stroke: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(3): 167-172.
[13] Pádraic J.Dunne, Julie Lynch, Lucia Prihodova, Caoimhe O'Leary, Atiyeh Ghoreyshi, Sharee A. Basdeo, Donal J.Cox, Rachel Breen, Ali Sheikhi, Áine Carroll, Cathal Walsh, Geraldine McMahon, Barry White. Burnout in the emergency department: Randomized controlled trial of an attention-based training program. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(3): 173-180.
[14] Ya-ru Huangfu, Wei Peng, Bao-jun Guo, Zhi-fu Shen, Li Li, Shi-wei, Liu, Hui Zheng, You-ping Hu. Effects of acupuncture in treating insomnia due to spleen-stomach disharmony syndrome and its influence on intestinal microbiome: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(3): 161-167.
[15] J.M. Oliver-Baxter, H.S. Whitford, D.A. Turnbull, M.J. Bond. Effects of vitamin supplementation on inflammatory markers and psychological wellbeing among distressed women: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2018, 16(5): 322-328.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited

  Shared   
  Discussed   
[1] Wei-xiong Liang. Problems-solving strategies in clinical treatment guideline for traditional Chinese medicine and integrative medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 1-4
[2] Zhao-guo Li. Discussion on English translation of commonly used sentences in traditional Chinese medicine: part one. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 107-110
[3] Jun Hu, Jian-ping Liu. Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 31
[4] Xue-mei Liu, Qi-fu Huang, Yun-ling Zhang, Jin-li Lou, Hong-sheng Liu, Hong Zheng. Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. saponion on apoptosis of cortical neurons induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation in rats. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 45-50
[5] . Uniform requirements for manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals: Writing and editing for biomedical publication (Chinese version, part two). Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1001-1005
[6] Daniel Weber, Janelle M Wheat, Geoffrey M Currie. Inflammation and cancer: Tumor initiation, progression and metastasis,and Chinese botanical medicines. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1006-1013
[7] Hong Liu , Guo-liang Zhang, Li Shen , Zhen Zeng, Bao-luo Zhou, Cheng-hai Liu, Guang Nie . Application and evaluation of a pseudotyped virus assay for screening herbs for anti-H5Nl avian influenza virus. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1036-1040
[8] Zhao-guo Li . A discussion of English translation of 1995 and 1997 Chinese National Standards of Traditional Chinese Medical Terminologies for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1090-1096
[9] Rui Jin, Bing Zhang. A complexity analysis of Chinese herbal property theory: the multiple formations of herbal property (Part 1). Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1198-1205
[10] Hui-min Liu, Xian-bo Wang, Yu-juan Chang, Li-li Gu. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of integrative medicine therapy for treatment of chronic severe hepatitis. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2012, 10(11): 1211-1228