Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 1990 ; 15(3): 245-9.

[Objective observation on phenomena of sensation along channels (PSC) and QI reaching to affects area (QIRA)--the influence of acupuncture points on infrared thermal image of face]

Liu R, Zhuang D, Yang X, Li Y, Zhang D, Wen B, Zhang R.

Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing.

Thirty three patients and nine volunteers were observed. 18 out of 33 patients felt PSC and Qi reaching to face induced by needle points. The QiRA rate was 80% in patients with face diseases. During acupuncture "Hegu" (LI 4) points, most of the patients felt PSC reaching to their faces and sensed heat in face. The infrared thermal image demonstrated that the temperature of face skin increase and the hyperthermal areas coincided basically with the pathway of "Yangming" channels. Those effects were more than the effects of the other objects who didn't feel PSC or sensed Qi reaching to face induced by needle "Hegu" (LI 4) or "Daling" (P 7) Points. The difference between the two groups was statistical significant. The temperature rising responses induced by needle points were not the results of natural fluctuation. The above results indicate that the PSC and QiRA is objective existence.