Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao. 2003 Jun; 35(3): 236-40.

Modulation of pain signal processing by electric acupoint stimulation: an electroencephalogram study.

Zhang W, Luo F, Qi Y, Wang Y, Chang J, Woodward DJ, Chen AC, Han J.

Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the analgesia-related modulation of electroencephalographic activities by transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (EAS). METHODS: In 15 healthy human beings, 64-channel electroencephalogram was recorded and power spectrum analysis was employed before, during and after EAS. Non-acupoint electric stimulation was used as control. All subjects were asked to rate their sensation to painful stimulations before and after treatment. RESULTS: The relative theta power near contra-lateral centro-parietal area during EAS was negatively correlated with the pain score after EAS. Similarly, the beta activity during EAS near contra-lateral prefrontal cortex, ipsi-lateral inferior frontal and temporal lobe, and ipsi-lateral occipito-parietal cortex, were all negatively correlated with pain score after EAS. CONCLUSION: These changes might reflect a modulation of brain activity by EAS in specific areas, which were in turn involved in modulation of certain aspects of pain-signal processing.