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Modulation of pain signal processing by electric acupoint stimulation: an electroencephalogram study
Weiting Zhang1, Fei Luo, Yingwei Qi
1Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
Objective:
To investigate the analgesia-related modulation of electroencephalographic activities by transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (EAS).
Methods:
In 15 healthy human beings, 64-channel electroencephalogram was recorded and power spectrum analysis was employed before, during and after EAS. Non-acupoint electric stimulation was used as control. All subjects were asked to rate their sensation to painful stimulations before and after treatment.
Results:
The relative theta power near contra-lateral centro-parietal area during EAS was negatively correlated with the pain score after EAS. Similarly, the beta activity during EAS near contra-lateral prefrontal cortex, ipsi-lateral inferior frontal and temporal lobe, and ipsi-lateral occipito-parietal cortex, were all negatively correlated with pain score after EAS.
Conclusion:
These changes might reflect a modulation of brain activity by EAS in specific areas, which were in turn involved in modulation of certain aspects of pain-signal processing.