[Advances of studies on the underlying mechanism of acupuncture efficacies by using functional magnetic resonance imaging].
In the present paper the authors review recent progress in the study on the underlying mechanism of acupuncture effects by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) from (1) fMRI imaging technology, (2) the meridian-collateral system of Chinese medicine, (3) the factors affecting the therapeutic effect of acupuncture, (4) the mechanism underlying the efficacy of acupuncture treatment, (5) the experimental design methods for studying acupuncture by using fMRI, and (6) the methods for analyzing fMRI data. Research results show that fMRI technology is a new and useful approach for studying the underlying mechanism of acupuncture effect.
Ren
Xiu-jun
XJ
Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing. rxiujun@sohu.com
Wang
Bao-guo
BG
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D016740:Meridians; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome