1Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu   610075, Sichuan Province, China

2College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing   400016, China

Xuezhi Li☆, Studying for doctorate, Lecturer, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu   610075, Sichuan Province, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing   400016, China Supported by: Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (973 Program), No. 2006CB504501* Li XZ, Liu XG, Liang FR. Functional brain imaging studies on specificity of meridian and acupoints. Neural Regen Res 2008;3(7):777-81

Abstract

At present, the specificity of meridians and acupoints has been studied using functional brain imaging techniques from many standpoints, including meridians, acupoints, and sham acupoints, as well as different meridians and acupoints, coordination of acupoints, and factors influencing meridian and acupoint specificity. Preliminary experimental data have demonstrated that acupuncture at meridians and acupoints is specific with regard to brain neural information. However, research findings are contradictory, which may be related to brain functional complexity, resolution of functional brain imaging techniques, and experimental design. Future studies should further improve study method, and should strictly control experimental conditions to better analyze experimental data and acquire more beneficial data. Because of its many advantages, the functional brain imaging technique is a promising method for studying meridian and acupoint specificity.

Key Words: meridians and acupoints; effect specificity; functional brain imaging

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