Localization of acupuncture points BL25 and BL26 using computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Medical Imaging
• Acupuncture Research

Background:

• Acupuncture point location and its relation to anatomical structures are critical for therapeutic efficacy.
• Understanding the precise anatomical placement of acupuncture points like BL25 and BL26 can improve treatment outcomes.
• The de qi sensation in acupuncture is often linked to needle manipulation within specific anatomical layers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a metric description of acupuncture points BL25 and BL26.
• To investigate the relationship between these acupuncture points and individual anatomical landmarks.
• To identify anatomical structures involved in needle manipulation during the de qi sensation.

Main Methods:

• Computed tomography (CT) was used to document 107 needlings in 58 patients with low-back pain.
• Key parameters assessed included soft tissue thickness, distances to the vertebral line and body surface, and needle depth.
• Body-mass index (BMI) and interscapular distance were measured for correlation analysis.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture points BL25 and BL26 were consistently located in the intermuscular region between the erector spinae and transversospinal muscles.
• Mean distance from puncture site to vertebral line was approximately 3.5 cm for BL25 and 3.4 cm for BL26.
• Significant correlations were found between BMI, interscapular distance, soft tissue thickness, and needle placement parameters.

Conclusions:

• Needle location within intermuscular septa is associated with the de qi sensation.
• Acupuncture points BL25 and BL26 are clustered around the intermuscular region of the erector spinae and transversospinal muscles.
• Employing proportional methods based on anatomical measurements is relevant for successful acupuncture therapy.