scholarly journals Changes of Locoregional Skin Temperature in Neonates Undergoing Laser Needle Acupuncture at the Acupuncture Point Large Intestine 4

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Kurath-Koller ◽  
Gerhard Litscher ◽  
Anna Gross ◽  
Thomas Freidl ◽  
Martin Koestenberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Large Intestine ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
Laser Acupuncture ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Thermal Changes ◽  
Laser Needle ◽  
The Right ◽  
Needle Acupuncture

Laser acupuncture bears a potential risk for the skin surface, especially in neonates whose skin has histological and physiological peculiarities. We evaluated thermal changes of skin temperature in neonates during laser acupuncture by using a thermal camera (Flir i5, Flir Systems Inc., Portland, USA). Laserneedles (Laserneedle GmbH, Glienicke/Nordbahn, Germany) were fixed to the skin at Large Intestine 4 (LI 4,Hegu), bilaterally. Before application of laser acupuncture (685 nm, 15 mW, 500 μm), as well as after 1, 5, and 10 min, thermographic pictures of both hands were taken. The measuring was carried out on the 23rd day after birth (20 neonates, mean postmenstrual gestational age 38 + 2, mean weight 2604 g). Compared to the initial temperature of 34.2°C on the right hand, the skin temperature had increased to 35.3°C (P<0.05) after 5 min and up to 36.1°C (P<0.05) after 10 min of stimulation. Equally, on the left hand, an increase of the skin temperature from 34.5°C to 35.9°C (P<0.05) and 35.9°C (P<0.05) was measured. The highest measured skin temperature after 10 min of stimulation amounted to 38.7°C, without any clinically visible changes on the skin surface.

scholarly journals Thermographical Measuring of the Skin Temperature Using Laser Needle Acupuncture in Preterm Neonates

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Raith ◽  
Gerhard Litscher ◽  
Iris Sapetschnig ◽  
Sebastian Bauchinger ◽  
Evelyne Ziehenberger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Laser Acupuncture ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Premature Neonates ◽  
Premature Babies ◽  
Maximum Value ◽  
Gas Measurements ◽  
Laser Needle ◽  
Discharge From Hospital ◽  
Needle Acupuncture

In children, laser acupuncture is used more often than needle acupuncture in Western countries, due to their aversion to needles. When applying laser acupuncture to premature babies and neonates, firstly the degree of the thermal increase to the skin has to be evaluated so as to guarantee safe application. The patients were premature neonates before their discharge from hospital. The measurements were carried out by means of a polygraphy while they were asleep shortly. The large intestine 4 acupoint (LI4,Hegu) was stimulated by a microlaser needle (10 mW, 685 nm) twice (5 and 10 min). Local thermographic pictures were taken with a thermal camera (Flir i5, Flir Systems Inc., Portland, USA), and the warmest point was determined and subsequently compared. The study included 10 premature neonates (7 male, 3 female). The measurements were carried out on the 33rd day of life (weight 2030 g, gestational age36+3weeks of pregnancy). In comparison to the initial temperature (32.9C°), after 5 minutes of stimulation (33.9°C) (P=0.025) and also after 10 minutes of stimulation (34.0°C) (P=0.01), there was found to be a significant increase in the skin temperature. The singular maximum value of 37.9°C bears a potential danger; however, compared to the local temperatures reached in transcutaneous blood gas measurements it appears not to entail any risks.

scholarly journals Differential Brain Effects of Laser and Needle Acupuncture at Lr8 Using Functional Mri

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 282-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Im Quah-Smith ◽  
Mark A Williams ◽  
Thomas Lundeberg ◽  
Chao Suo ◽  
Perminder Sachdev
Keyword(s):  
Functional Mri ◽  
Primary Motor Cortex ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Laser Acupuncture ◽  
Cortical Region ◽  
Precentral Gyrus ◽  
Healthy Participants ◽  
Needle Acupuncture ◽  
Significant Activation

Objective While needle acupuncture is a well-accepted technique, laser acupuncture is being increasingly used in clinical practice. The differential effects of the two techniques are of interest. We examine this in relation to brain effects of activation of LR8, a putative acupuncture point for depression, using functional MRI (fMRI). Methods Sixteen healthy participants were randomised to receive low intensity laser acupuncture to LR8 on one side and needle acupuncture to the contralateral LR8. Stimulation was in an on-off block design and brain patterns were recorded under fMRI. Results Significant activation occurred in the left precuneus during laser acupuncture compared with needle acupuncture and significant activation occurred in the left precentral gyrus during needle acupuncture compared with laser acupuncture. Conclusions Laser and needle acupuncture at LR8 in healthy participants produced different brain patterns. Laser acupuncture activated the precuneus relevant to mood in the posterior default mode network while needle acupuncture activated the parietal cortical region associated with the primary motor cortex. Further investigations are warranted to evaluate the clinical relevance of these effects.

Focused Ultrasound PC-6 Stimulation Effects on Blood Flow Volume, Skin Temperature, and Coldness of the Finger and Toe

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 404-409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noriko Tsuruoka ◽  
Shingo Katayama ◽  
Takashi Seki ◽  
Tadao Matsunaga ◽  
Ryuta Iijima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Focused Ultrasound ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
Flow Volume ◽  
Blood Flow Volume ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
Acupoint Stimulation

Introduction: Focused ultrasound can stimulate a specific point of tissue and can be a noninvasive method for acupoint stimulation. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of acupoint stimulation by focused ultrasound on blood flow volume and coldness of the fingers and toes. Materials and Methods: Forty healthy volunteers were included in this experiment. The blood flow volume and the skin temperature of a finger and toe were measured before and after stimulation of the pericardium 6 acupuncture point (PC-6) by focused ultrasound. Subjective coldness of the fingers and toes was also assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) before and after stimulation. Results: The maximum blood flow volumes of the finger and toe were significantly larger (p < 0.01) than those before stimulation. The maximum skin surface temperatures of the fingers were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those before stimulation. The VAS scores for subjective coldness of the toes after stimulation were significantly higher (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The blood flow volume and skin temperature tended to increase after PC-6 stimulation. The VAS scores also indicated a tendency toward a warmer sensation in the toes after stimulation.

scholarly journals Effect of Acupuncture ‘dose— on Modulation of the Default Mode Network of the Brain

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 425-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yii-Jeng Lin ◽  
Yen-Ying Kung ◽  
Wen-Jui Kuo ◽  
David M Niddam ◽  
Chih-Che Chou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Resting State Fmri ◽  
Default Mode ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Conventional Methods ◽  
The Right ◽  
Active Controls ◽  
Increased Activity ◽  
Needle Acupuncture

Objective Recent functional MRI (fMRI) studies show that brain activity, including the default mode network (DMN), can be modulated by acupuncture. Conventional means to enhance the neurophysiological ‘dose’ of acupuncture, including an increased number of needles and manual needle manipulation, are expected to enhance its physiological effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of both methods on brain activity. Methods 58 healthy volunteers were randomly assigned into four groups that received single needle acupuncture (SNA, n=15) or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS, n=13) as active controls, or enhanced acupuncture by way of three needle acupuncture (TNA, n=17) or SNA plus manual stimulation (SNA+MS, n=13). Treatment-associated sensations were evaluated using a visual analogue scale. Central responses were recorded before, during, and after treatment at LI4 on the left hand using resting state fMRI. Results TNA and SNA+MS induced DMN-insula activity and extensive DMN activity compared to SNA, despite comparable levels of de qi sensation. The TNA and SNA+MS groups exhibited a delayed and enhanced modulation of the DMN, which was not observed followed SNA and TENS. Furthermore, TNA increased precuneus activity and increased the DMN-related activity of the cuneus and left insula, while SNA+MS increased activity in the right insula. Conclusions The results showed that conventional methods to enhance the acupuncture dose induce different DMN modulatory effects. TNA induces the most extensive DMN modulation, compared with other methods. Conventional methods of enhancing the acupuncture dose could potentially be applied as a means of modulating brain activity.

A Segmental Effect Involved in the Changes of Skin Blood Flow Induced by Acupuncture in Normal Health Human

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (03) ◽  
pp. 441-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ya-Min Jan ◽  
Tsai-Chung Li ◽  
Ching-Liang Hsieh
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Skin Blood Flow ◽  
Spinal Nerve ◽  
Dorsal Part ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Calcitonin Gene ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
Adult Volunteers

Our previous studies found that segmental effect of spinal nerve plays an important role in acupuncture stimulation (AS) on nail-fold microcirculation. Calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) is a potent endogenous vasodilator. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of AS on skin blood flow (SBF) and skin temperature (ST), and the involvement of spinal nerve segment and CGRP. A total of 17 healthy adult volunteers were studied, and all of them accepted three assessments as follows: (1) left Waiguan (SJ5) assessment (LW), AS applied to Waiguan acupoint of the left hand with obtaining qi; (2) right Waiguan assessment (RW), AS applied to Waiguan acupoint of the right hand with obtaining qi; (3) sham assessment, AS applied to the cutaneous portion of Waiguan acupoint of the left hand only. Each assessment was divided into before acupuncture period (BP), acupuncture period (AP) and post acupuncture period (PP). Both SBF and skin temperature (ST) were recorded simultaneously for 20 min at central dorsal part of the left hand in each period. Besides, the levels of CGRP in the blood were measured before AS, and at 20 min after AS in the LW assessment. Results indicated that the SBF was less in the PP than that in the BP, but SBF did not significantly vary between AP and BP, and between AP and PP in the LW assessment; SBF is similar among BP, AP, and PP in the sham and RW assessments; the difference of SBF between AP and BP was greater in the LW assessment than that in the sham assessment; the difference of SBF between AP and BP, and between PP and BP was greater in the LW assessment than that in the RW assessment. The levels of CGRP in the BP were similar to that at 20 min after AS; ST was similar among BP, AP and PP in the sham, LW and RW assessments. These results suggested that a segmental effect of spinal nerve is involved in the changes of SBF induced by AS since both the cutaneous part of left Waiguan acupoint and central dorsal part of the left hand belong to the 7th segment of cervical nerve.

Effects of Needle Stimulation of Acupuncture Loci Nei-Kuan (EH-6), Tsu-San-Li (St-36), San-Yin-Chiao (Sp-6) and Chu-Chih (LI-11) on Cutaneous Temperature and Pain Threshold in Normal Adults

1981 ◽  
Vol 09 (04) ◽  
pp. 305-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mao-Tsun Lin ◽  
Andi Chandra ◽  
Sou-Mei Chen-Yen
Keyword(s):  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Pain Threshold ◽  
Evaporative Heat Loss ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Cutaneous Temperature ◽  
Cutaneous Circulation ◽  
The Right ◽  
Normal Adults ◽  
Needle Stimulation ◽  
Stimulation Of

The effects of stimulation of acupuncture loci Nei-Kuan (EH-6), Tsu-San-Li (St-36), San-Yin-Chiao (Sp-6) and Chu-Chih (LI-11) on cutaneous circulation and/or pain threshold were assessed in eight normal adults. Stimulation of acupuncture locus San-Yin-Chiao (located in the right leg) produced vasoconstriction in the right leg skin temperature (Tright leg) and in the left leg skin temperature (Tleft leg). There was no change in either right arm skin temperature (Tright arm), left arm skin temperature (Tleft arm), metabolic rate, or respiratory evaporative heat loss. Stimulation of Nei-Kuan (located in the right arm) produced vasoconstriction only in both Tright arm and Tleft arm without changes in Tright leg and Tleft leg. Stimulation of acupuncture locus Tsu-San-Li (located in the left leg) produced vasoconstriction in both Tleft leg and Tright leg without changes in either Tright arm or Tleft arm. Stimulation of acupuncture locus of Chu-Chih (located in the left arm) produced vasodilatation in both Tleft arm and Tright arm without changes in either Tright leg and Tleft leg. On the other hand, stimulation of acupuncture locus San-Yin-Chiao (right side) produced analgesia only in the right foot sole, while stimulation of acupuncture locus Chu-Chih (left side) produced analgesia only in the left hand palm. Thus, the data indicate that each acupuncture locus may have its own way topographical representation with special reference to both cutaneous circulation and pain threshold in normal adults.

scholarly journals Skin Temperature of Neonates Undergoing Laser Acupuncture at Large Intestine 4, Using Thermography

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 187-188
Author(s):  
S. Blum ◽  
B. Urlesberger ◽  
J. Stadler ◽  
E. Ziehenberger ◽  
G. Litscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Large Intestine ◽  
Laser Acupuncture

Strategies for Autoregulation of Peripheral Skin Temperature

1995 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 675-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renaud van Quekelberghe
Keyword(s):  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Temperature Difference ◽  
Warm Water ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Main Study ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
The Right

The present study examined different mental strategies for effective and rapid regulation of skin temperature in adjacent areas. In the main study, subjects ( N = 10) were asked to achieve mentally a maximal temperature difference between the right index and the right little fingers within 25 minutes. In a control group ( N = 10), possible effects of a temperature-influencing device (cold and warm water bags on the left hand) on the right index and little fingers were examined. Because results were impressive, a series of similar studies was conducted. The results demonstrate the efficacy of mental strategies for a differential thermoregulation of adjacent skin areas (between 1 and 3 cm). Possible explanations and implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Objectifying Cerebral Effects of Laser Acupuncture in Term and Preterm Neonates

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Raith ◽  
Gerhard Pichler ◽  
Iris Sapetschnig ◽  
Alexander Avian ◽  
Constanze Sommer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Spectroscopy ◽  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Laser Acupuncture ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Peripheral Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Laser Needle ◽  
Polygraphic Recording

Laser acupuncture (LA) becomes more and more relevant in neonates and infants. With near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), a continuous and noninvasive measurement of tissue oxygenation is possible. Aim was to investigate, whether the application of LA was associated with any changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rcSO2) in term and preterm neonates. The study included 20 neonates (12 males, 8 females). The Large Intestine 4 acupuncture point (LI 4,Hegu) was stimulated by a microlaser needle (10 mW, 685 nm laser needle EG GmbH, Germany) for 5 minutes, bilaterally. All neonates underwent polygraphic recording during undisturbed daytime sleep, including heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and measurement of nasal flow. Using NIRS, rcSO2was measured continuously. Cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) was calculated. We did not observe any significant changes in SpO2and HR values during the whole observation period. However, there was a significant decrease in rcSO2(P=0.003) within postintervention period, accompanied by a significant increase in cFTOE (P=0.010) in postintervention period.

scholarly journals Improvement of the Dynamic Responses of Heart Rate Variability Patterns after Needle and Laser Acupuncture Treatment in Patients with Burnout Syndrome: A Transcontinental Comparative Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard Litscher ◽  
Cun-Zhi Liu ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
Lin-Peng Wang ◽  
Qian-Qian Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Acupuncture Treatment ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Dynamic Responses ◽  
Burnout Syndrome ◽  
Laser Acupuncture ◽  
Evaluation Scores ◽  
Laser Needle ◽  
Needle Acupuncture

We investigated manual needle and laser needle acupuncture as a complementary therapy for patients with burnout syndrome. Twenty patients with a mean age ± SD of 38.7 ± 8.4 years were assigned to two groups, each consisting of ten patients. One group was treated with manual needle acupuncture and the other with laser needle acupuncture. Heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and a new score called dynamic acupuncture treatment score (DATS) served as evaluation parameters. The study documented significant effects on heart rate after needle acupuncture treatment and significant effects on HRV caused by both needle and laser needle acupuncture. Based on new neurovegetative acupuncture treatment evaluation scores, it can be stated that both noninvasive laser needle acupuncture and manual needle acupuncture have the potential to be a powerful approach for evidence-based complementary treatment of patients with burnout syndrome. Further transcontinental studies to verify or refute the preliminary findings are in progress.

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