Acupuncture De Qi sensations now quantifiable!
A major technology university has scientifically measured
unique brain responses to manual acupuncture stimulation. De qi, sensations
induced by specific manual needle stimulation techniques, is posited as having
therapeutic effects within the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system and
was the focus of the study. De qi is a combination of bodily sensations induced
by acupuncture needling techniques combined with physiological responses to the
stimulation. The researchers note that de qi sensation is often described as
dull, heavy, deep pressure, pulling, numb, aching, spreading, radiating,
electrical, refreshing, relieving and tingling.
In this new study conducted at the Huazhong University of
Science and Technology, researchers measured de qi’s relationship to changes in
blood flow, tissue displacement, myoelectricity and brain MRI signals. As a
result, the research team notes that they have demonstrated measurable and
repeatable “intrinsic change(s) of (the) human body” induced by de qi during
acupuncture. The team added that the “study demonstrated that de qi elicited
significant response(s) to acupuncture in the specific brain regions….”
In a related study, researchers note that achieving de qi at
acupuncture points elicits distinctly different cortical responses than at
non-acupuncture points. The researchers suggest that these findings point to de
qi having a different effect on the central nervous system dependent on the
acupuncture points chosen. Specific acupuncture points demonstrate a consistent
and unique ability to stimulate specific brain regions upon de qi stimulation.
By contrast, non-acupuncture points did not induce unique responses.
Another investigation of acupuncture connects modern
research with the traditional inducement of deqi. Researchers from the Beijing
University of Chinese Medicine, Medimar International Hospital and the European
Foundation of TCM performed a meta-analysis of the medical implications of de
qi. The findings suggest a direct correlation between ancient acupuncture
techniques and improved positive patient outcomes.
These investigations connect ancient TCM teachings dating
back to the Nei Jing Su Wen with modern scientific findings. Eliciting de qi
responses was posited as having medically beneficial effects over 1,000 years
ago. Now, modern scientific equipment allows researchers to test this theory.
These initial
investigations show that de qi is linked to clinically
positive patient outcomes.
References: Tian, Dai-Shi, Jin Xiong, Qing Pan, Fang Liu, Lu
Wang, Sha-Bei Xu, Guang-Ying Huang, and Wei Wang. "De Qi, a Threshold of
the Stimulus Intensity, Elicits the Specific Response of Acupoints and Intrinsic
Change of Human Brain to Acupuncture." Evidence-Based Complementary and
Alternative Medicine 2014 (2014).
Zhu, Shi-Peng, Li Luo, Ling Zhang, Song-Xi Shen, Xiao-Xuan
Ren, Meng-Wei Guo, Jia-Min Yang et al. "Acupuncture DE-qi: from
Characterization to Underlying Mechanism."
Chen, Sheng, Shengnan Guo, Federico Marmori, Yanping Wang,
Qi Zhao, Baokai Wang, Eunhae Ha et al. "Appraisal of the De qi Concept
among Contemporary Chinese Acupuncturists."
Acupuncture De Qi Sensations Now Quantifiable SOURCE:
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1348-acupuncture-de-qi-sensations-now-quantifiable
