Dynamic brain set among the limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network during acupuncture

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Medical Imaging
• Integrative Medicine

Background:

• The limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network (LPNN) is crucial for the Deqi sensation during acupuncture.
• Deqi involves limbic-paralimbic deactivation, somatosensory cortex activation, and autonomic rebalancing.
• Dynamic brain changes within the LPNN are linked to needle retention and therapeutic outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review limitations of conventional fMRI in capturing dynamic LPNN activity during acupuncture.
• To explore dynamic functional connectivity analysis for understanding acupuncture's temporal effects.
• To present evidence of continuous Deqi-related brain modulation throughout needle stimulation.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on fMRI paradigms for acupuncture research.
• Examination of dynamic functional connectivity analysis methodologies.
• Synthesis of evidence on time-varying LPNN activity during needle retention.

Main Results:

• Conventional fMRI designs inadequately capture the dynamic LPNN response to acupuncture.
• Dynamic analysis reveals continuous evolution of Deqi-related brain modulation.
• Acupuncture's dynamic LPNN changes reflect its sensitivity.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic brain states during needle retention may predict treatment response in chronic pain.
• Individualized needle retention duration decisions can be guided by dynamic brain activity.
• Understanding the dynamic brain characteristics of acupuncture is essential for elucidating Deqi.