Battlefield Acupuncture and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy–Miniaturized Computer-Triggered Electrical Stimulation of Battlefield Ear Acupuncture Points and 50-Channel Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Mapping

Background: Battlefield acupuncture was developed in the course of researching a more-efficient auriculotherapy system for rapid relief of pain. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate possible changes in near-infrared spectroscopic (NIRS) parameters in the frontal area of the brain during electrical stimulation of battlefield acupuncture points. Design and Setting: One channel recordings and, for the first time, 50-channel NIRS recordings were performed to obtain new insights into the possible cerebral effects of ear acupuncture. Subjects: The test subjects were 11 healthy volunteers (8 female, 3 male; mean age±standard deviation: 27.6±4.6 years) and 1 subject for the 50-channel NIRS recording (female, age 24). Intervention: Electrical ear stimulation was performed using a constant current 1 mA, with a duration of 1 ms at a frequency of 1 Hz. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcomes sought were concentrations of oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb) and deoxyhemoglobin (HHb) in brain tissue. Results: There were no significant changes in the 1-channel measurement. Regional decreases of O2Hb were seen in the frontal area in the 50-channel recordings, with a maximum within 100 seconds of stimulation onset. Conclusions: Effects of the stimulation of battlefield acupuncture points in the brain are measurable.