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Peripheral Vascular Effects Identified By Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging Following Acupuncture

The Laser Doppler Perfusion Imager may prove useful for visualizing and quantifying the peripheral vascular effects of acupuncture on the microcirculation.

Fifty-one healthy volunteers (mean age ± SD: 25.3 ± 7.6 years) participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study to evaluate Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging (LDPI) undertaken by researchers at the University of Graz, Austria and Linkoping University in Sweden.

Following introduction of an acupuncture needle, the subjects underwent rapid repeated imaging of the left middle fingertip skin blood perfusion prior to, immediately after and in the early reperfusion phase.

The needle was introduced at the Neiguan point (Pe.6) and at a placebo point respectively using a LDPI. Calculations were made for each image of the average skin perfusion at the fingertip and used as an indicator of the microvascular response to the introduction of the acupuncture needle.

Significant differences (p/leq0.001) were seen in the response of the immediate skin blood perfusion when needling was undertaken at an acupuncture point (Neiguan) and a placebo point. However the reduction in skin blood reperfusion was more pronounced when needling the acupuncture point.

A substantial increase in skin perfusion was noted in the early reperfusion phase amounting to some 18 percent of the level before introducing the needle, regardless of the site at which it was applied. It was also demonstrated in a single individual that vasodilation after needling at the acupuncture point persisted for a longer period of time.
Lasers in Medical Science 2002 Vol 17 No 1 pp 19-25. "Regular article : changed skin blood perfusion in the fingertip following acupuncture needle introduction as evaluated by laser doppler perfusion imaging"

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