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A Correlation Study between Two Adjacent Same-Meridian Acupoints after Laser-Needle Acupuncture with Optical
Xiuli Wu1, Huajiang Wei1, Zhouyi Guo1
1MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & SATCM Third Grade Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Photonics Technology, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|December 20, 2016
Summary
Laser irradiation on Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian acupoints (LI4, LI5) showed significant changes in optical coherence tomography (OCT) backscattered light intensities and reflectance intensities (RIs) in adjacent acupoints. Nonacupoints remained largely unchanged, indicating a meridian association.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Optics
- Acupuncture Research
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- The Yangming Large Intestine Meridian connects specific acupoints, including Sanjian (LI3), Hegu (LI4), and Yangxi (LI5).
- Understanding meridian pathways and acupoint interactions is crucial for acupuncture efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between adjacent acupoints (LI3, LI4, LI5) on the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian.
- To assess the effects of laser irradiation on acupoint optical properties and meridian connectivity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optical coherence tomography (OCT) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.
- Irradiated LI4 and LI5 acupoints and their nonacupoints with a 658 nm laser (50 mW) in 10 healthy subjects.
- Measured changes in OCT backscattered light intensities and reflectance intensities (RIs) before and after irradiation.
Main Results:
- Laser irradiation of LI4 and LI5 significantly increased OCT backscattered light intensities in adjacent acupoints (LI4, LI5).
- Reflectance intensities (RIs) of LI3, LI4, and LI5 significantly decreased after irradiation.
- Nonacupoints showed negligible changes in both OCT and RI measurements.
Conclusions:
- Adjacent acupoints on the same meridian exhibit an association after laser-needle acupuncture.
- Laser irradiation alters the optical properties of acupoints, suggesting a measurable physiological response along the meridian.
