Effects of Acupuncture Evaluated by EEG Topogram and Positron CT

Abstract

Object: There is a saying in the classics as follows; “The key to acupuncture is to control Shén (the spirit)” (Emperor's Canon of Medicine). This saying emphasizes that control of the spirit is the fundamental principle of clinical application of acupuncture and moxibustion. The term “spirit” here implies function of the central nervous system in a broad sense. For the purpose of examining the effect of needle stimulation on the function of the central nervous system, research was conducted applying electroencephalographic (EEG) topography and positron CT.
Methods: The research was conducted on 30 subjects consisting of healthy adult volunteers and patients with various diseases. Two types of stimulation, electric needle stimulation and TEAS, were adopted. Sites of stimulation were IC₁₀ Shousanli-IC₄ Hoku, bilateral VF₁₂ Head-Wanku, and G₃₆ Tsusanli-LP₆ Shanyinchiao. Stimulation at a frequency of 2Hz was administered at such an intensity that a light muscular twitching was induced at the sites of stimulation. Electrization was conducted for 10-20 minutes. EEG topography was performed according to the ten-twenty electrode system. EEG was recorded by unipolar leads from 12 sites on the scalp, and was analyzed mainly on EEG topograms obtained before, during, and after the stimulation, using an EEG topography system (Nihon Denki Sanei Sokki Co.). Concerning positron CT, qualitative measurement (¹¹C-CO₂ and ¹¹C-glucose) and quantitative measurement (¹⁵O₂ and C¹⁵O₂) were conducted. Data was collected using HEADTOM (Shimazu Seisakujo Co.). The region of interest was identified in the brain using image processing apparatus for medical acupuncture use, and pictures obtained by positron CT before, during and after stimulation was analyzed.
Results:
1) Changes in EEG power of the EEG topogram were observed in all cortical regions, especially in the area from the frontal lobe to the occipital lobe. The subjects could be divided into two types, the type in which the power increased only in the α zone, and the type in which the power both increased in θ and α zones.
2) Positron CT revealed that “dé-qi” (the acupuncture feeling) transiently invigorates the paleocortex and the neocortex, and exerts influences on a wide range of cranial nervous cells via the A₁₀ nerve.
3) Variation in regional cerebral blood flow induced by the electric needle stimulation was 15-20ml/100g brain tissue/min on average.
Conclusion: Comfortable stimulation by the needle method is effective in eliminating disharmony between the neocortex and the paleocortex, regulating the function of the autonomic nerves, and stabilizing the spirit.