Exploring the Physiological and Physical Effects of Acupuncture Using Ultrasound

The physiological changes in blood flow during acupuncture needle insertion have been explored using different forms of Doppler imaging including laser Doppler perfusion imaging,1 laser Doppler flowmetry,2 and ultrasound colour Doppler.3 However, a review of the literature found no study exploring the effects of acupuncture on blood vessel size and muscle strain. With advances in ultrasound technology, these variables can be easily studied. We aimed to analyse the real-time changes in blood vessel size, blood flow velocity and volume, and muscle strain, before and after acupuncture needle insertion, and following needle removal. We performed acupuncture needle insertion on two healthy volunteers who were part of the study team. Both team members signed an institutional informed consent form acknowledging the potential adverse effects, risks and complications. The acupuncture was performed by a certified acupuncturist with >20 years’ experience. Volunteer 1 was a male who had been exposed to acupuncture regularly. Volunteer 2 was a female with no previous exposure to acupuncture. Scans were conducted using a Philips iu22 system …