title: Correlation between the Effects of Acupuncture at Taichong (LR3) and Functional Brain Areas: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study Using True versus Sham Acupuncture.
abstract: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been shown to detect the specificity of acupuncture points, as proved by numerous studies. In this study, resting-state fMRI was used to observe brain areas activated by acupuncture at the Taichong (LR3) acupoint. A total of 15 healthy subjects received brain resting-state fMRI before acupuncture and after sham and true acupuncture, respectively, at LR3. Image data processing was performed using Data Processing Assistant for Resting-State fMRI and REST software. The combination of amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) was used to analyze the changes in brain function during sham and true acupuncture. Acupuncture at LR3 can specifically activate or deactivate brain areas related to vision, movement, sensation, emotion, and analgesia. The specific alterations in the anterior cingulate gyrus, thalamus, and cerebellar posterior lobe have a crucial effect and provide a valuable reference. Sham acupuncture has a certain effect on psychological processes and does not affect brain areas related to function.
authors: School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China.
authors: Chunxiao
authors: 0000-0002-8637-5545
authors: C
authors: Wu
authors: School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China.
authors: Shanshan
authors: S
authors: Qu
authors: School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China.
authors: Jiping
authors: J
authors: Zhang
authors: School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China.
authors: Junqi
authors: J
authors: Chen
authors: School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China.
authors: Shaoqun
authors: S
authors: Zhang
authors: First Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China.
authors: Zhipeng
authors: Z
authors: Li
authors: First Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China.
authors: Jiarong
authors: J
authors: Chen
authors: School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China.
authors: Huailiang
authors: H
authors: Ouyang
authors: School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510515, China.
authors: Yong
authors: Y
authors: Huang
authors: Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510405, China.
authors: Chunzhi
authors: C
authors: Tang