A Mathematical Model to Study the Mechanical Information Induced by Lifting-Thrusting Needle

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical Engineering
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
• Acupuncture Mechanics

Background:

• Traditional Chinese acupuncture is a widely practiced therapy.
• The mechanical effects of acupuncture needle manipulation on biological tissues are not fully understood.
• A quantitative understanding of these mechanical effects is crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mathematical model simulating the mechanical process of lifting-thrusting acupuncture needle manipulation.
• To analyze the mechanical responses, including displacement, strain, stress, and energy, within skin tissue.
• To identify optimal parameters for effective mechanical stimulation during acupuncture.

Main Methods:

• Development of a mathematical model for needle-tissue interaction.
• Analytical and numerical solutions to simulate mechanical responses.
• Analysis of displacement, strain, stress, and energy distribution in skin tissue.

Main Results:

• Needle manipulation induces tissue displacement and stress fields.
• Optimal insertion depth (approx. 2 cm) and position (approx. π/ω cm) are critical for effective mechanical stimuli.
• Tissue displacement decreases with distance from the needle, more rapidly at higher frequencies.
• Higher frequencies necessitate larger needle movements for a comparable 'effective influence region' (shear strain > 0.2).
• Increased energy is required for high-frequency manipulation.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture's mechanical effects can be modeled to understand tissue responses.
• Precise needle placement and manipulation parameters are key to achieving therapeutic mechanical stimuli.
• The study provides a foundational understanding of the biomechanical interactions during acupuncture.