[Thermographic visualization of changes in peripheral perfusion during acupuncture]

Using infrared thermography, the present study evaluated the effects of changes in peripheral perfusion occurring during the initial phase of manual acupuncture (Nei Guan, Qu Chi) under standardised conditions. Thermographic recordings (AGEMA 570 PRO, Flir Systems Inc., Portland, USA) were used to assess superficial changes in temperature in the hands of 6 normal subjects (mean age 33.3 +/- 7.5 years, 3 females, 3 males). Baseline status, acupuncture needling and stimulation were analysed in a single session under controlled conditions (24 degrees C ambient temperature). In all subjects a significant (p = 0.015) short-term cooling effect on superficial hand temperature occurred following needle placement. Thereafter, acupuncture stimulation produced different generalised long-lasting effects. In three subjects a warming effect was seen (increase > 2 degrees C) while in the other three subjects the temperature decreased in all fingers and in the wrist.