AP & brain imaging techniques

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Hi all,

 

see this new article:

" Investigating Acupuncture Using Brain Imaging Techniques:The Current State

of Play "

George T. Lewith1, Peter J. White2 and Jeremie Pariente3

1Primary Medical Care, School of Medicine, University of Southampton,

2School of Health Professions and

Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Southampton, UK and 3Neurology

Department, Purpan Hospital,

Toulouse, France

We have systematically researched and reviewed the literature looking at the

effect of acupuncture on

brain activation as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging and

positron emission

tomography. These studies show that specific and largely predictable areas

of brain activation and deactivation

occur when considering the traditional Chinese functions attributable to

certain specific

acupuncture points. For example, points associated with hearing and vision

stimulates the visual and

auditory cerebral areas respectively. Pain, however, is a complex matrix

that is intimately intertwined

with expectation. Acupuncture clearly affects this matrix in both specific

and non-specific manner

that is consistent with its specific clinical effects, as well as the

effects of expectation on pain relief.

This article summarizes the current imaging literature.

 

http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/2/3/315